Every bit of Data has a story to tell, if it can be visualized.The main goal of data visualization is to communicate information clearly and effectively through graphical means. Bar charts scatter graphs and maps are examples of simple data visualizations that have been used for many Thousands of years, though Minards map was arguably the first “Rock star” data visualization diagram of recent times.
Minard’s map (1861) of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia is a landmark in Data visualization. It enabled laymen to understand the various seemingly unconnected factors like the Napolenic army”s progress, victories, epidemics, environment, deaths and retreat visually in one image.
Maps-
Cartography (in Greek chartis = map and graphein = write) is the study and practice of making geographical maps. Combining science, aesthetics, and technique, cartography builds on the premise that reality can be modeled in ways that communicate spatial information effectively.
Maps have been used for thousands of years.
Noteworthy amongst them is Ptolemy’s Geographia (2ndCentury AD), where he mapped the world as then known to man
Noteworthy amongst them is Ptolemy’s Geographia (2ndCentury AD), where he mapped the world as then known to man
Thematic cartography involves maps of specific geographic themes, oriented toward specific audiences. In such maps, all extraneous data and information is taken away, leaving behind only the data to be visualized.
A few useful Links-
- UNEP/GRID-Arendal Maps and Graphics Library, web-site from the UN Environment Programme with hundreds of examples of thematic map. Very useful.
- Map history has extensive links to online map resources, including several large collections of images online and articles on the history of cartography.
- IslamicCartography A weblog on Islamic cartography by Tarek Kahlaoui a PhD student in the University of Pennsylvania
- The ubiquitous Google maps- Search, Create, share, download.
- Platial, The People’s Atlas User-created maps- Helps you search maps by defining criteria
- A list of visualization tools on Wikiviz.
- 10 Innovative online visualization tools
Happy Visualizining.
