21AI602 - DATA VISUALIZATION

UNIT 2 – DATA VISUALIZATION METHODS

LP5 – Mapping – Time series – Connections and correlations.

1. Mapping:

 In the context of data visualization methods and mapping, the term "Mapping" refers to the
representation of data points or locations on a map.
 It involves the use of graphical elements to convey spatial information in a visual format.
Mapping is a powerful technique in data visualization as it allows users to understand
patterns, relationships, and trends in geographic data.
 Here are some key concepts related to mapping in data visualization:

Geospatial Data: Mapping typically involves the use of geospatial data, which includes
information related to the Earth's surface such as latitude, longitude, and elevation. Geospatial
data can represent physical features, locations of events, or any other information with a spatial
context.

Coordinate Systems: Maps use coordinate systems to represent locations on the Earth's surface.
The most common coordinate system is the latitude and longitude system, but other systems like
UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) may also be used.

Markers and Symbols: Data points on a map are often represented using markers or symbols.
These markers can vary in size, color, or shape to convey additional information about the data,
such as the magnitude of a variable or the category of a location.

Choropleth Maps: Choropleth maps use color variations to represent spatial variations in a
particular variable. Different shades or colors are used to indicate different levels or categories of
the variable across regions.

Heatmaps: Heatmaps visualize the density or intensity of data points in a particular area.
Hotspots with a higher concentration of data are represented with warmer colors, while cooler
colors indicate lower density.
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Interactive Maps: With advancements in technology, interactive maps have become popular.
Users can interact with the map, zoom in, pan, and click on specific data points to access
additional information.

GIS (Geographic Information System): GIS is a powerful tool that integrates mapping and
spatial analysis capabilities. It allows users to overlay different layers of information and perform
complex spatial analyses.

Fig Mapping

2. Time Series:
 Time series refers to a sequence of data points collected or recorded over a period
of time. Time series data is characterized by the temporal ordering of observations,
where each observation is associated with a specific timestamp.
 Analyzing and visualizing time series data is essential for understanding patterns,
trends, and changes over time.
 Here are some key aspects of time series in data visualization:

Temporal Axis: Time series data is plotted on a temporal axis, typically along the x-axis.
The x-axis represents time, and the y-axis represents the variable being measured. This
allows viewers to observe how the variable changes over different time intervals.

Line Charts: Line charts are commonly used to visualize time series data. In a line chart,
data points are connected by straight lines, providing a smooth representation of how the
variable evolves over time. Line charts are effective for displaying trends, cycles, and
fluctuations.

Time Series Plots: A time series plot is a specific type of graph that displays data points in
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the order in which they occur. It helps in understanding the behavior of a variable over
time and is particularly useful for identifying seasonality, trends, and outliers.

Seasonal Patterns: Time series data often exhibits seasonal patterns, where certain
patterns repeat at regular intervals. Seasonal decomposition techniques, such as
decomposition into trend, seasonality, and residuals (e.g., using moving averages), can help
visualize and analyze these patterns.

Bar Charts and Histograms: Bar charts and histograms can be used to represent time
series data when discrete observations are recorded at specific time points. Each bar or
column represents the value of the variable at a particular time.

Heatmaps: Heatmaps are useful for visualizing time series data when there are multiple
variables or dimensions involved. Time can be represented on one axis, and different
variables on the other, with color indicating the intensity or magnitude of the values.

Interactive Time Series Visualizations: Interactive visualizations, such as dynamic charts

or dashboards, enable users to explore time series data interactively. Users can zoom in,
pan, and filter data based on specific time ranges.

Annotations and Events: Annotations on time series charts can highlight significant
events or milestones, aiding in the interpretation of the data. Events like product launches,
policy changes, or external factors impacting the data can be visually marked.

Forecasting and Prediction: Time series visualizations are crucial for forecasting and
predicting future trends. Techniques like trend lines, moving averages, or advanced time
series models can be employed to make predictions.

Fig Time Series Graphs

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3. Connections and Correlations:
 Connections and correlations are fundamental aspects of data visualization, helping
to reveal relationships and patterns within the data.
 Here are some key ways in which connections and correlations are explored in data
visualization:
3.1 Scatter Plots:
Purpose: Visualize the relationship between two continuous variables.
Representation: Each data point is plotted on a two-dimensional graph, with one variable
on the x-axis and the other on the y-axis.

3.2 Line Charts:

Purpose: Illustrate trends and patterns over time.
Representation: Data points are connected with lines, making it easy to observe overall
trends and identify correlations.

3.3 Correlation Matrix:

Purpose: Explore relationships among multiple variables.
Representation: A matrix where each cell represents the correlation between two
variables, often visualized using a heatmap for quick interpretation.

3.4 Network Diagrams:

Purpose: Visualize connections and relationships in complex datasets.
Representation: Nodes represent variables or entities, and edges depict connections or
correlations between them.

3.5 Heatmaps:
Purpose: Display the intensity of relationships or correlations.
Representation: A grid of colored cells where colors indicate the strength and direction of
correlations, often used for correlation matrices.
3.6 Bubble Charts:
Purpose: Extend scatter plots to include a third variable.
Representation: Similar to scatter plots, but the size of each point represents a third
variable, adding another layer of information.

3.7 Parallel Coordinates:

Purpose: Visualize relationships among multiple variables simultaneously.
Representation: Variables are represented by parallel axes, and lines connecting points
across axes reveal correlations.

3.8 Chord Diagrams:

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Purpose: Show relationships and connections in a circular layout.
Representation: Arcs connect different categories or variables, and the thickness of the
arcs indicates the strength of connections.

3.9 Sankey Diagrams:

Purpose: Illustrate flow and connections between entities.
Representation: Entities are represented by nodes, and the flow of connections between
them is visualized using directed links.

3.10 Correlation Circles (PCA):

Purpose: Visualize relationships and correlations in reduced dimensions.
Representation: Variables are plotted in a two-dimensional space, and the distance and
angle between variables reflect their relationships.

3.11 Geospatial Visualizations:

Purpose: Explore spatial correlations and connections.
Representation: Maps display data points or regions, allowing users to identify spatial
patterns and relationships.

3.12 Interactive Dashboards:

Purpose: Allow users to interactively explore connections and correlations.
Representation: Users can filter, zoom, and highlight specific data points to investigate
relationships dynamically.

Fig Correlation Maps