InfoGuides: Data Visualization: Get Started

Data visualization is simply creating a chart, diagram, picture, map, infographic, etc. from your data. In other words, a visual representation of data or information. Use this guide to discover best practices for creating data visualizations as well as accessing recommended resources for learning how to visualize data.

Planning a Visualization

Steps for Creating a Visualization

1. Know your data & purpose.

Know how each data point or variable was measured and have some ideas or hypotheses about what you might see.
It is helpful to make sure your data is clean and error free.
Decide whether you are trying to find patterns or telling a story to the reader (Cole Nussbaumer Knaffic)

2. Select a chart type that best accomplishes your purpose, given the data you have.

Each chart type uses different visual properties to encode the data, like points, lines, bars, or boxes
Chart Choosers can help with you select a chart type.
Sketch out your visualization on paper before trying to create it on a computer.

3. Choose the software or tool you will use to create your visualization.

If you are using secondary data, check if your data source has built-in visualization tools.

4. Refine your visualization according to best practices and your purpose.

You often need to adjust the axes, add labels, change colors, or add or remove chart elements to create the ideal chart.