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10 Reasons to Adopt Data Visualization
Back To Main Page by: Joe Miller

1. Bar Charts

There is more to bar charts than meets the eye with data visualization. Bar charts is just one
example of many visual tools which can be used to convey information in the most effective
way. Bar charts, bar graphs, pie charts, or other charts and graphs are one of the most
common methods of displaying information of various kinds. Everyone from children to adults
use them in school, study, and business. Data visualization works with bar charts to create
informational displays to reach virtually any kind of audience.

2. Interactive Map

In addition to bar charts, other informational tools become interactive with data visualization.
An interactive map allows information to be displayed on various levels by clicking on the part
of the map about which one may want more information. This is called “drilling down.” The
interactive map is a method of data visualization used by many business, government, and
community programs. Many airlines proved an interactive map of the plane interior so that
travelers can choose their own seating. Many governments or communities create interactive
maps of their countries, states, and cities. To learn more about a specific area, all on has to
do is click on it. Information interacts with a user’s needs.

3. Reporting Tool

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This article has already covered examples of how data visualization conveys information to
various types of users for travel or education, but data visualization can also be used as a
reporting tool. Imagine making a presentation for school or business come alive with an
interactive map or bar charts. Information is presented in a helpful and meaningful way, often
simplifying complex levels of information to become digestible to those to whom the
presentation is given.

4. Convert HTML to PDF

A presentation is one thing, a handout or file copy is another. By far, one of the biggest
challenges with data visualization in the past has been printing HTML information without
getting it cut off on one of the margins. In the past HTML format did not automatically format
itself for computer printout. Data visualization software can create PDF images of HTML
displays for others to follow during the presentation or to file after.

5. Data Mapping

Research, geographical data, and other information can be effectively conveyed using data
mapping. Data visualization provides a method for mapping data in a simple display, assisting
the presenter in his or her ability to make important data understandable.

6. Business Mapping

Sometimes data mapping involves visual diagrams of business departments. Data

visualization helps with business mapping. One example of business mapping is the creation
of a department map for the shipping department of a business. Real-time information is
available for inventory management and location, including inbound and outbound shipping
information. Everything going on in the warehouse is visualized on a computer screen.

7. Executive Dashboard

Though information can be compiled into state of the art data visualization, the information still
needs to be managed somehow. Data visualization would be incomplete without an executive
dashboard with which executives can customize and manage all data visualization displays
and reports.
 8. Flash Graphs

Using flash technology, information can also be displayed in a state of the art format.
Dashboards and data visualization displays are unencumbered by too much information all
smattered on the charts and graphs. Flash chart, flash graphs, and flash maps display only
what one needs when one needs it by responding to a mouse or cursor moving over it. As the
mouse finds its target, information and options are immediately displayed. Web site are
presented in a tidy and manageable way.

9..Net Technology

.Net technology, including .net graphs, .net charts, and .net maps is internet technology
interfacing other pages on the internet with anchored text on a report or other data
visualization display. In addition to .net, perl graphs, perl charts, and perl maps, as well as
coldfusion charts, coldfusion graphs, and coldfusion maps, are useful tools employed as part
of data visualization. These technologies can also be used in .net PDF attachments.

10. 508 Compliance

Data visualization has also made itself accessible to those with disabilities complying with
section 508 which requires government and public information to be viewable by those with
disabilities. Data visualization is still capable of catering to the needs of its users.

Business, communities, and educational programs throughout the country are adopting data
visualization to serve the need of the Information Age. Information is now available at a new
level of simplicity, even at the most detailed and complex levels.

About the author:

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements on business
software. More Data Visualization information is available at Corda.com.

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