DASC202 Data Visualization
Assignment 1: Maps, Networks & Graphs, Filters & Aggregation
Weight: 15% of final grade
Due: May 25th, 2026
Submission: Moodle (one Colab notebook + one PDF)
Total Marks: 100
Learning Outcomes Covered
By completing this assignment, students will demonstrate understanding of:
• Geospatial Visualization (Maps) – coordinates, spatial encoding, choropleths
• Networks & Graphs – nodes, edges, relationships, graph structures
• Filtering & Aggregation – grouping, slicing, summarizing data
• Analytical Thinking in Visualization – selecting appropriate visual forms
Part A – Theory (40 marks)
(200–300 words per question max)
1. Maps & Spatial Data (10 marks)
a) What is geospatial data? Explain latitude and longitude.
b) Differentiate between:
• Point map
• Choropleth map
c) When is a map not appropriate for visualization? Give one example.
2. Networks & Graphs (10 marks)
a) Define:
• Node
• Edge
b) Give two real-world examples of networks (e.g., social network, transportation).
c) What is the difference between:
• Directed vs Undirected graphs
• Weighted vs Unweighted graphs
3. Filters & Aggregation (10 marks)
a) What is filtering in data visualization?
b) What is aggregation?
c) Explain the difference between:
• groupby().sum()
• groupby().mean()
d) Give one real-world example where aggregation is necessary.
4. Visualization Design Decisions (10 marks)
a) Why is filtering important before visualization?
b) How can poor aggregation lead to misleading insights?
c) Give one example where:
• Raw data visualization is misleading
• Aggregated visualization provides clarity
Part B – Practical Coding & Analysis (60 marks)
Use Google Colab. For each task:
• Modify the code
• Include screenshot of output (with caption)
• Answer in markdown:
✔ What is visualized?
✔ What transformation was applied (filter/aggregation)?
✔ Why is this visualization appropriate?
Dataset Suggestions
You may use:
• gapminder_with_codes.csv
• [Link]
• [Link]
Task 1 – Map Visualization (15 marks)
Create a scatter map:
• Use gapminder dataset
• Filter year = 2007
• Plot:
o Latitude (y)
o Longitude (x)
o Size = population
o Color = continent
Analysis:
• What does spatial distribution reveal?
• Why use size as a channel?
Task 2 – Choropleth Map (10 marks)
Create a world choropleth map:
• Use GDP per capita
• Map countries to values
Analysis:
• What patterns do you observe globally?
• What are limitations of choropleths?
Task 3 – Network Graph (10 marks)
Create a simple network graph using networkx:
Example:
• Nodes = people
• Edges = friendships
Or:
• Countries connected by trade (simplified)
Requirements:
• At least 6 nodes
• At least 8 edges
Analysis:
• Identify most connected node
• What does network structure show?
Task 4 – Filtering (10 marks)
Using [Link]:
• Filter dataset:
o Only Dinner time
o Only Female customers
Create:
• Bar chart → average tip by day
Analysis:
• How does filtering change interpretation?
• Compare briefly with unfiltered version
Task 5 – Aggregation (10 marks)
Using [Link]:
• Aggregate:
o Average passengers per month
Create:
• Line chart
Analysis:
• What trend do you observe?
• Why is aggregation necessary here?
Task 6 – Combined Filtering + Aggregation (5 marks)
Using [Link]:
• Filter: Party size ≥ 4
• Aggregate: Average total_bill by day
Create:
• Bar chart
Analysis:
• What insight emerges for larger groups?
Submission Checklist
• Colab notebook (.ipynb)
o All code
o All plots (with captions)
o Markdown explanations
• PDF file
o Part A answers
Filename format:
• DASC202_Assign2_StudentID.ipynb
• DASC202_Assign2_StudentID.pdf
Marking Criteria
Component Marks
Theory (clarity, correctness, terminology) 40
Practical (correct implementation) 30
Analysis & Interpretation 20
Code quality & presentation 10
Total 100
Good luck!