Module 1 Introduction to Data Visualization
Module 1 Introduction to Data Visualization
Definition:
Data visualization is the process of representing data in a visual format such as graphs, charts, or diagrams to make
it easier to understand.
Data Representation: Computers and smartphones store data like names and numbers in digital formats.
To extract useful insights from this data, we need proper visualization techniques.
Why Visualization Matters: Without clear representation, data may lose its value. Visualizing data helps
communicate key insights effectively.
Turning Data into Information: Data itself is raw and unorganized. By presenting it visually, we transform
it into meaningful information that is easier to interpret and analyze.
Data visualization helps us understand data better than just looking at numbers in rows and
columns (like in an Excel sheet).
Example:
Imagine a scatter plot showing the relationship between body mass and maximum lifespan of
animals. The plot reveals a positive correlation, meaning animals with higher body mass tend to
live longer.
Here, is a simple scatter plot representing body mass versus maximum longevity for four animals:
Data wrangling is the process of transforming raw data into a structured format suitable for
analysis. It ensures data is clean, organized, and meaningful for tasks such as visualization and
decision-making.
Example Scenario:
Feedback surveys
Employee tenure records
Exit interviews
One-on-one meetings
This data is often unorganized and may contain inconsistencies, missing values, or errors.
The collected data is imported into tools like Pandas (Python) or Excel as a DataFrame.
Referrals
Faith in Leadership
Scope for Promotions
Creating data visualizations can be done using both coding and non-coding tools. The choice of
tool depends on the complexity of the data and user preferences.
Non-Coding Tools:
Tableau: A powerful tool that allows users to visualize data without coding. Ideal for
business users who want to explore data quickly.
Coding Tools:
Python: The most widely used language for data visualization due to its simplicity,
flexibility, and extensive library support.
MATLAB: Often used in engineering and scientific fields for complex data analysis.
R: A preferred choice in statistical analysis and data science research.