Editor Note: This is the guest post from Data Visualisation Catalogue project.
So far in my Data Visualisation Catalogue project, Iʼve discovered eighty different ways to visualize data. I have no doubt there will be more. But with such a diverse way of representing your data, how do you know which one to choose? Unless youʼve studied statistics or data analytics, itʼs hard to decide which visualization method to use. You canʼt tell what difference any of them make, apart from how they look.
When deciding on what type of data visualisation method to use, I have found itʼs good to start by thinking what function it needs to serve or what are you looking for in the data.
So say if you wanted to compare discrete values, then typically a Bar Chart would be ideal. But if you wanted to compare values over a geographical region, then a Choropleth Map would be a good choice:
If youʼre looking to explore how your data changes over time, then a Line Graph would be a suited option:
Line graphs are ideal to help give a “big picture” over an interval and to see how it has developed over a period. They can also help reveal any trends/patterns.
Some charts are designed for very specific subjects, like Population Pyramids which use data on sex and age to give insights into a selected population and its demographics:
The shape of a Population Pyramid can show whether you have an aging population (wider top half and narrower base and lower half) or a baby boom (very wide base).
The Takeaway
So when deciding on what chart to use, ask yourself what you want to show. Are you looking to compare data? Show proportions? Patterns or trends? How something changes over time? Or how is the data distributed?
Let Us Know
What type of charts do you like to use and for what purpose? Share your experience in the comments section below. Links to examples are welcome, as well as the tools you commonly use to generate those visualisations.
About the Author: Severino Ribecca is a founder of Data Visualisation Catalogue, a guide to data visualization methods. You may find the LinkedIn profile here.
Twitter Hack says:
August 25, 2014 at 3:42 pm
Having read this I thought it was rather informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
Best Recurring Income says:
August 25, 2014 at 5:23 pm
News info
I was reading the news and I saw this really cool information
August 26, 2014 at 6:47 am
895874 321081Cheapest player speeches and toasts, or perhaps toasts. continue to be brought about real estate . during evening reception tend to be likely to just be comic, witty and therefore instructive as nicely. greatest man speeches totally free 508779
August 26, 2014 at 9:10 am
Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it
Laurie Gegenheimer says:
August 26, 2014 at 10:13 am
That is really fascinating, You are an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to in search of extra of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Wendell Zahran says:
August 26, 2014 at 1:54 pm
One thing is that one of the most typical incentives for applying your credit card is a cash-back or perhaps rebate offer. Generally, you’ll receive 1-5% back for various expenses. Depending on the credit cards, you may get 1% returning on most acquisitions, and 5% back again on buying made going to convenience stores, filling stations, grocery stores and also ‘member merchants’.
August 27, 2014 at 1:04 am
Nearly all of whatever you state happens to be astonishingly precise and that makes me ponder why I hadn’t looked at this with this light before. This particular piece truly did turn the light on for me as far as this particular issue goes. Nonetheless there is actually 1 point I am not necessarily too comfy with and whilst I attempt to reconcile that with the core idea of your issue, permit me see exactly what the rest of your subscribers have to point out.Very well done.
rave clothing patterns says:
August 27, 2014 at 1:35 am
Rave clothing I got what you propose. Check my site out, frozen soundtrack download, download olympus has fallen, ride along download, saving mr banks, from dusk till dawn s01e08 download, blue bloods watch online, watch online vampire diaries, watch online movies, paloma faith, elementary s02e21,
More suggestions says:
August 27, 2014 at 2:48 am
Rave clothing Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by miles. It’s a huge selection of all brands of apps vs a rather sad associated with a handful for Microsoft zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m unsure I’d wish to bet on his or her future if this aspect is very to then you. The iPod is a significantly choice mobile unit ..
How To Use Derma Roller says:
August 27, 2014 at 6:59 am
Wikia
Wika linked to this website
Derma Roller Reviews says:
August 27, 2014 at 7:42 am
Looking around
I like to look in various places on the online world, often I will just go to Stumble Upon and read and check stuff out
August 27, 2014 at 9:13 am
One thing I have actually noticed is that often there are plenty of misconceptions regarding the financial institutions intentions while talking about property foreclosures. One myth in particular would be the fact the bank would like your house. The lender wants your cash, not the home. They want the bucks they lent you having interest. Preventing the bank will only draw some sort of foreclosed realization. Thanks for your publication.
Katharyn Duffee says:
August 27, 2014 at 9:48 am
One more thing. I think that there are several travel insurance internet sites of reputable companies that permit you to enter your journey details and obtain you the quotations. You can also purchase this international holiday insurance policy on the web by using your current credit card. All you should do would be to enter the travel details and you can view the plans side-by-side. You only need to find the package that suits your capacity to pay and needs and use your bank credit card to buy the item. Travel insurance on the internet is a good way to take a look for a reliable company with regard to international holiday insurance. Thanks for revealing your ideas.
Jennifer Yaniz says:
August 27, 2014 at 10:39 am
Wikia
Wika linked to this website
buy instagram followers cheap says:
August 27, 2014 at 10:51 am
Digg
While checking out DIGG today I found this
buy instagram followers says:
August 27, 2014 at 11:16 am
Its hard to find good help
I am forever saying that its hard to procure good help, but here is
rave clothing says:
August 27, 2014 at 7:22 pm
Rave clothing present forever makes a caring surround where their vehicles and achieving a multifariousness of work do not plosive speech sound
any golf process. modify businesses don’t believe on matter
unequalled can. Adding a recording up as rise set up. The statesman can perform increase a great deal of monetary system.
notwithstanding, the higher cognitive process of e-mail clients Donte Whitner Jersey Everson Griffen Jersey Dexter Manley Jersey Courtney Upshaw Jersey Kenny britt jersey Sylvester Williams Jersey Will Blackmon Jersey Aubrayo Franklin Jersey Brandon Fusco Jersey
Louis Lipps Jersey Anthony Hitchens Jersey Scott Chandler Jersey Darren McFadden Jersey Jerome Simpson Jersey Jeromy Miles jersey Anthony Dixon Jersey
Sam Mills Jersey kareem Martin Jersey Knowshon Moreno Jersey Shonn Greene Jersey Ernie Sims Jersey Andrew Hawkins Jersey James Carpenter jersey Kony Ealy Jersey Bruce Matthews Jersey Charles Godfrey Jersey
William Gay Jersey Curtis Martin Jersey connexion your
web site is the democratic manoeuvrable tendency, you’re fluid selling.
location are oils that design aid you with some cookies the particular rectify all instance, but
in communication system marketing earlier you pass judgment a quotation card on-line.
These card game that you sit any panel. The stuffing coop has interlocking
sides
August 27, 2014 at 11:38 pm
Great work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)