Data Visualization

There are many ways to present your data. Common ways you have probably come across are bar graphs, scatter plots, and pie charts. Below are examples of how others have presented their data:

 

So how do YOU make something like this for you data? The first step is to understand the results of your data and decide the purpose of your visualization.

Then, you need to figure out the advantages and disadvantages of each type of visualization. Not all of them are going to be appropriate to present you data. The following are sites that describe the advantages and disadvantages well:

• The Data Visualisation Catalogue: Describes the function of each type visualization as well as the “anatomy” of it. This is a good spot to learn how data can be represented.
• Billon Dollar Graphics: Excellent way of showing the different functions on their “cheat sheet”
• Extreme Presentation has a simple flowchart on how to choose your chart.

 

ADVANCED?

Check

Duke University Libraries’ Data and Visualization Services website for the taxonomy of data visualization and the true, scientific background behind the charts.