Visualization

Visualization
• Visualization is a pictorial or visual
representation technique
• Anything which is represented in pictorial or
graphical form, with the help of diagrams,
charts, pictures, flowcharts, etc. is known as
visualization.
• Data represented in the form of graphics can
be analyzed better than the data presented in
words.
 Ways of Representing Visual Data
• The data is first analyzed and the result of the analysis
is visualized in different ways. There are 2 ways:
– 1. infographics
– 2. data visualization

• 1. Inforgraphics are the visual representation of

information or data rapidly and accurately.
• Using colorful graphics in drawing charts and graphs
it improves the interpretation of a given data.
 Ways of Representing Visual Data
• infographics
 Ways of Representing Visual Data
• 2. Data Visualization is the study of
representing data or information in a visual
form using advanced technologies such as
multimedia
 Visualization is Excellent medium of
analysis why?
• Visual images help to transmit a huge amount of
information to the human brain at a glance.
• Visual images help in establishing relationships and
distinction between different patterns or processes easily.
• Visual interpretations helps in exploring data from
different angles, which help gain insights.
• Visualization helps in identifying problems and
understanding trends and outliers.
• Visualizations point out key or interesting breakthroughs
in a large dataset.
• 1. Method of creation – it refers to the type of
content used
• 2. Quantity of data
• 3. Degree of creativity applied –

On the basis of these evaluation, we can

understand which is the correct form of
representation for given data type.
 Various Content Types:
• Graph –
• Diagram –
• Timeline –
• Template -
• Checklist –
• Flowchart –
• Mind Map-
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 1. Isoline- It is a 2D data representation of a
curved line that moves constantly on the
surface of a graph. The plotting of an isoline is
based on data arrangement rather than data
visualization.
Figure 1.17
Isobars on a
weather map
depicting
pressure pattern
over United
States
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 2. Isosurface - It is a 3D representation of an
isoline. Isosurface are designed to represent points
that are bounded by a constant value in a volume
of space, i.e. in a domain that covers 3D space.
•
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 3. Direct Volume Rendering (DVR)-It is a
method used for obtaining a 2D projection for
a 3D dataset. A 3D record is projected in a 2D
form through DVR for a clearer and more
transparent visualization.
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 4. Streamline – It is a field line that results from the
velocity vector field description of the data flow.
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 5. Map- It is a visual representation of
locations within a specific area. It is depicted
on a planar surface. E.g. Google map
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 6. Parallel Coordinate Plot- It is a visualization
technique of representing multidimensional
data.
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 7. Venn Diagram- It is used to represent logical
relations between finite collections of sets.
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 8. TimeLine – It is used to represent a chronological
display of events. E.g Google calender
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 9. Euler Diagram – it is a representation of the
relationships between sets.
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 10. Hyperbolic Trees- They represent graphs
that are drawn using the hyperbolic geometry.
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 11. Cluster Diagram – It is a cluster, such as a
cluster of astronomic entities.
 Techniques Used for Visual Data
Representation
• 12. Ordinogram – It is used to analyze various
sets of multivariate objects.
 Types of Data Visualization
• Data can be viewed in many ways such as 1D,
2D, or Description
Name 3D structures as below
Tool

1D/Linear e.g., a list of items organized Generally, no tool is used for 1D

in a predefined manner visualization

2D/Planar e.g. examples, choropleth, GeoCommons, Google Fusion Tables,

cartogram, dot distribution Google Maps API, Polymaps, Many Eyes,
map, and proportional symbol Google Charts, and Tableau Public
map

3D/ For example, 3D computer AC3D, AutoQ3D, TrueSpace

Volumetric models, surface rendering,
volume rendering, and
computer simulations
 Types of Data Visualization
Name Description Tool
• Data can
Temporal be viewed
e.g. timeline, time series, in many
Gantt ways
Timeflow, such
Timeline asTimeplot,
JS, Excel, 1D,
chart, sanky diagram, alluvial TimeSearcher, Google Charts, Tableau
2D, ordiagram,
3D structures as below
and connected scatter Public, and Google Fusion Tables
plot
Multidiment e.g. pie chart, histogram, tag Many Eyes, Google Charts, Tableau
ional cloud, bubble cloud, bar chart, Public, and Google Fusion Tables
scatter plot, heat map, etc.
Tree/ e.g. dendogram, radial tree, D3, Google Charts, and Network
Hierarchical hyperbolic tree, and wedge Workbench/ Sci2
stack graph.
Network e.g. matrix, node link diagram, Pajek, Gephi, NodeXL, VOSviewer,
hive plot, and tube map UCINET, GUESS, Network
Workbench/Sci2, [Link], d3/Protovis,
Many Eyes and Google Fusion Tables
 Choropleth: population density

dendogram

Cartogram of Germany, with the

states and districts resized according to
population
alluvial diagram

sanky diagram
 Applications of Data Visualization
• 1. Education- Visualization is applied to teach a topic that requires
simulation or modeling of any object or process.
• E.g. Organ system or structure of an atom is best described with the
help of diagrams or animations.
• 2. Information- Visualization is applied to transform abstract data into
visual forms for easy interpretation and further exploration.
• 3. Production- Various applications are used to create 3D models of
products for better viewing and manipulation. Real estate,
communication, and automobile industry extensively use 3D
advertisements to provide a better look and feel to their products.
• 4. Science- Every field of science including fluid dynamics, astrophysics,
and medicine use visual representation of information. Isosurfaces and
direct volume rendering are typically used to explain scientific concepts.
 Applications of Data Visualization
• 5. Systems visualization- Systems visualization is a
relatively new concept that integrates visual
techniques to better describe complex systems.
• 6. Visual communication- Multimedia and
entertainment industry use visuals to communicate
their ideas and information.
• 7. Visual analytics- It refers to the science of analytical
reasoning supported by the interactive visual interface.
The data generated by social media interaction is
interpreted using visual analytics techniques.
 Visualizing Big Data
• Big data comprises both structured and unstructured
forms of data collected from various sources.
• Big Data is highly dynamic in function and therefore,
most traditional tools are not able to generate quality
results. The response time of traditional tools is high so
unfit for quality interaction.
• Challenges faced for Big data analytics:
– Most data is in unstructured form
– Data is not analyzed in real time
– The amount of data generated is huge
– There is a lack of efficient tools and techniques
 Applications of Data Visualization
• Turning Data into Information

• Visual data reduction process involves

automated data analysis to measure density,
outliers, and their differences.
• These measures are then used as quality
metrics to evaluate data-reduction activity.
 Applications of Data Visualization
• Visual quality metrics can be categorized as:
– Size metrics (e.g. number of data points)
– Visual effectiveness metrics (e.g. data density, collisions)
– Feature preservation metrics (e.g. discovering and preserving data
density difference)
The visual analytics tools should be:
– Simple enough so that even non-technical users can operate it.
– Interactive to connect with different sources of data
– Competent to create appropriate visuals for interpretations
– Able to interpret Big Data and share information
– Other than representing data, a visualization tool must be able to
establish links between different data values, restore the missing
data, and polish data for further analysis.
 Tools used in data Visualization
• Excel- used for data analysis.
• It helps to track and visualize data for deriving
better insights.
• It provides various ways to share data and
analytical conclusion within and across
organizations
• [Link]- it is open source software
provided by [Link] for analyzing and
visualizing social music network.
• [Link]- it provides some of the best Web-
based visualization tools
• Pics- This tool is used to track the activity of
images on the website.
• Arc- It is used to display the topics and stories
in a spherical form.
• Google Charts API – it allows user to create
dynamic charts to be embedded in a Web
page. A chart obtained from the data and
formatting parameters supplied in a HyperText
Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request is converted
into a Portable Network Graphics(PNG) image
by Google to simplify the embedding process.
• TwittEarth- This tool is capable of showing live tweets
from all over the world on a 3D globe.
• Tag Galaxy- Tag Galaxy provides a stunning way of
finding a collection of Flickr images. If you want to
search a picture, you have to enter a tag of your choice
and it will find the picture. The central star contains all
the images directly relating to the initial tag and the
revolving planets consist of similar or corresponding
tags. Click on a planet and additional sub-categories
will appear. Click on the central star and Flickr images
gather and land on a gigantic 3D sphere.
• D3- D3 allows to bind arbitrary data to a
Document Object Model(DOM) and then
applies data-driven transformations to the
document.
• E.g. you can use D3 to generate an HTML table
from an array of numbers. Or, use the same
data to create an interactive SVG (Scalable
Vector Graphics) bar chart with smooth
transitions and interactions.
• Rootzmap Mapping the Internet – it is a tool
to generate a series of maps on the basis of
the datasets provided by the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
 Open source Data Visualization Tools
• Open source tools are easy to use , consistent, and
reusable.
• Their performance is high quality. They are compliant
with the Web as well as mobile Web security.
• They provide multichannel analytics for modeling as
well as customized business solutions that can be
altered with changing business demands.
• Examples of open source tools for Data Visualization-
• VTK, Cave5D, ELKI, Tulip, Gephi, IBM OpenCDX,
Tableau Public, and Vis5D.
 Analytical Techniques Used in Big Data
Visualization
• Analytical techniques are used to analyze complex
relationships among variables. The following are
some commonly used analytical techniques for Big
Data solutions:
• 1. Regression analysis- It is a statistical tool used
for prediction. Regression analysis is used to predict
continuous dependent variables from independent
variables. We can find the effect of one variable on
other variable. E.g sales increase when prices
decrease.
 Types of Regression analysis :

• Ordinary least squares regression - It is used when

dependent variable is continuous and there exists
some relationship between the dependent variable
and independent variable.
• Logistic regression- It is used when dependent
variable has only two potential results.
• Hierarchical linear modeling- It is used when data
is in nested form.
• Duration models – It is used to measure length of
process.
• 2. Grouping methods- The technique of categorizing
observation into significant or purposeful blocks is called
grouping. The recognition of features to create a
distinction between groups is called discriminant
analysis.
• 3. Multiple equation models- It is used to analyze causal
pathways from independent variables to dependent
variables. Types of multiple equation models are as
follows:
• Path analysis
• Structural equation modeling