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    • DS Methods Overview
      • ¶ Data Visualization
        • Basic Charts
        • Timeline
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      • ¶ Mapping
        • GIS
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        • Maps as Interface
      • ¶ 3D & Immersive Technologies
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      • ¶ Textual Encoding Initiative
        • What Does TEI Markup Look Like?
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      • ¶ Text Analysis
        • Out of the Box vs Coding and Scripting
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    • Introduction to Data
      • ¶ What is Data?
        • Structured & Unstructured Data
        • Quantitative & Qualitative Data
        • Humanities & Data
      • ¶ What is Data Visualization?
      • ¶ DS Data Projects
        • Getting Started Questions
        • Project Examples
        • Visualization Tools
      • ¶ Research Data Lifecycle
        • Data Management Best Practices
      • ¶ Glossary
    • Introduction to Mapping
      • ¶ What is Spatial Data?
      • ¶ Vector and Raster Data
        • Vector and Raster Data Examples
        • File Format Examples
      • ¶ Starting a Mapping Project
        • Getting Started Questions
        • Project Examples
        • Mapping Tools and Platforms
    • Introduction to Digital Exhibits
      • ¶ What is a Digital Exhibit?
        • Related Concepts
      • ¶ Starting a Digital Exhibit
      • ¶ Exhibit Examples
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  1. Digital Scholarship
  2. Introduction to Data

¶ What is Data Visualization?

PreviousHumanities & DataNext¶ DS Data Projects

Last updated 3 years ago

Data visualization refers to representing data in a visual context, like a chart or a map, to help people understand the significance of that data. Visualization is a frequent final output of research. Putting some time and strategic thought into data visualization at the beginning of a research project can help you create more effective visualization. (For more on data visualization, see the in DS Methodologies Overview.)

Three Types of Data Visualizations

Data visualization is usually one of three types:

  • Scientific visualization, meaning the representation of scientific phenomena that tend to be tied to real-world objects with spatial properties e.g., modeling airflow over an airplane.

  • Information visualization under which falls most statistical charts and graphs and also includes other visual and spatial representations.

  • Infographic, meaning a specific sort of visualization that combines information visualization with narrative.

In the video below, David McCandless talks about how we can use visualizations to make data more meaningful. He explains who he turns complex data sets (like worldwide military spending, media buzz, Facebook status updates) into beautiful, simple diagrams that tease out unseen patterns and connections.

"Data Visualization" section
The Beauty of Data Visualization by David McCandless