Download - Data Visualization
Data VisualizationTips, Tricks, and Pitfalls
Bob Scopatz
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10000000
20000000
30000000
40000000
50000000
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Number of Graphs Plotted in Each Century
First Data Plot: circa 1644
Minard 1869
Modern Times: And Traffic Safety
• There are 100s of types of graphs• Most of what we see is 3 types:
– Bar– Line– Pie
• Graphic Tools are Good and Bad
Bad Example: USA Today
Another Bad Example: USA Today
Pitfall #1: Art over Information
• Tufte: Chart Junk• Visual elements that convey nothing• Or worse…confusing/contrary information
Tip: Not all Graphic Artistry is Bad
Trick: Use Dimensions Meaningfully
• Size (Height, Length, Width, Depth)• Color• Shape• Fill (pattern, transparency)
• NOTE: Extra time looking should be rewarded by more information extracted
Pitfall: Excel Options
Yes No Unknown0
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YesNo
Unknown
0
5
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Tip: Visual Comparison
Tricks
• Small Multiples• Animation
Small Multiples
Animation
Free Tools!
• Google Public Data Explorer
• Data Scene (Express Version)
Google Public Data Explorer
• Animations• Bubble Charts• Add own data!
Data Scene (Express)
• Commercial Product• Free version• Limitations in
Free Version• Animations
Or…Build it Yourself