What is Data Visualization?

Data analytics is a broad term for the process of evaluating raw data in order to draw conclusions that can be used to provide useful insights that will drive decision-making at a company or business. This field is gaining in importance as more data is being created than ever before, and as more organizations become data-driven.

The data explosion in recent years has led to a corresponding need for businesses and organizations to communicate information in a way that’s accessible and engaging. Visual content is becoming an increasingly popular means for sharing data.

Data visualization relies on visual representations like graphs or charts to convey raw data. The human eye is drawn to patterns and colors. While it’s possible to use spreadsheets and reports to take in necessary information, our brains are better able to process that which is presented in a visual manner. In a manner of speaking, data visualization is one more form of visual art. This type of visual storytelling quickly draws us in, holds our attention, and allows us to engage with the content. Presenting data in a visual manner makes it easier to understand and faster to process, even for those who aren’t mathematically inclined or trained in analytics. Each visual data representation tells a story about the data, which can lead to more informed business decisions and favorable outcomes.

There are many different kinds of data visualizations, such as maps, histograms, scatter plots, and pie charts. Those who know how to present information in visually engaging stories have the power to help make sense of past events, provide insights on current trends, and offer predictions for the future. This article will explore Datawrapper, one of the most powerful data visualization tools currently on the market.

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What is Datawrapper?

Datawrapper is a data compilation and visualization software. It was developed for the purpose of incorporating maps and charts into existing news stories that are displayed on websites. After the data is imported, which often entails copying and pasting directly into the tool, users can create charts with just one click.

The idea behind Datawrapper emerged in 2012 when Journalist Mirko Lorenz began working with Gregor Aisch, a Developer. At this time, Mirko was involved in extensive data training, yet lacked a simple way to create graphs, maps, and charts. Mirko worked with Aisch to develop a new kind of charting tool that would enable users to easily and quickly display their data in the form of charts or maps. Currently, Datawrappers tools are offered in six languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Italian, so that users around the world can have access to this cutting-edge software.

Datawrapper can be used to create many different visual representations of data, such as:

  • Scatter plots
  • Locator maps
  • Election donuts
  • Area charts
  • Line, column, and bar charts

Datawrapper is a powerful tool for software developers and journalists, as well as any design professional looking to compile data into a specified format. Data from various sources, such as Google Sheets, Excel, or the internet, can be copied to use in Datawrapper. Users can then select from different charts or maps to depict this information. It also provides options that allow the design to be customized to adhere to the aesthetic of various newsrooms or other sources. The graphical representations made using Datawrapper can be viewed on any BI tool, as well as devices with various screen sizes.

This software does not require any knowledge of coding or design. Typically, only five steps are required for users to create their own data visualization:

  • Find the dataset
  • Clean data
  • Upload data to Datawrapper
  • Select the kind of chart you need in order to visualize data
  • Use the embed code to publish the visualization on your own website.

In addition to its paid monthly plans, Datawrapper offers a free plan, which is a great option for those who wish to embed graphics on smaller sites or those that have limited traffic. Datawrapper is a great option for small businesses, as well as students who are searching for a user-friendly data visualization package. It is relied on by financial institutions,

government agencies, and think tanks around the globe. Many international news platforms, such as Fortune, Wired, The New York Times, and Mother Jones, use Datawrapper to visually display information within news articles.

Some of Datawrapper’s main competitors are Infogram, Plotly, Tableau, and Charts.js.

Pros & Cons of Using Datawrapper

The following are a few of the benefits, as well as drawbacks, of using Datawrapper for your data visualization needs:

Pros

  • Datawrapper is able to work on any OS computer.
  • It can be used online or installed onto a server.
  • The basic version of Datawrapper is free.
  • It can be used to create 19 types of charts as well as three kinds of maps.
  • Because it provides web-based visualization capabilities, Datawrapper users won’t lose data if their computer crashes, and can access data and charts from any location. All changes are automatically saved.
  • It’s easy to present data using Datawrapper’s clear, beginner-friendly user interface. This software doesn’t require that users have prior knowledge of coding or web design to begin creating data visualizations.
  • Those who are new to creating data visualizations can use Datawrapper’s extensive selection of design defaults to simplify the visualization process. These ensure that the data visualization will be accessible and visually engaging.
  • Customization options are available for presenting data. Users can add images, as well as change the margins, color options, and fonts.
  • The data that’s uploaded to Datawrapper belongs to your own account and will be kept confidential. Readers are not tracked.
  • A preview of the data visualization is available to users before they export it so that they can ensure it meets their expectations.
  • The maps created using Datawrapper can be made to be interactive, which leads to a more involved and active user experience.
  • Datawrapper is open source.

Cons

  • Datawrapper has limited flexibility when working with visuals.
  • Some Datawrapper users have a difficult time customizing fonts and colors. In addition, adjusting color in Datawrapper can be challenging for users.
  • Any data that’s uploaded when using the free plan will be transferred to the Datawrapper server’s storage.
  • Because it is open-source, security concerns can arise.

Hands-On Data Analytics & Data Visualization Classes

Are you interested in transforming raw data into stunning data visualizations? If so, you may want to consider enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s data analytics classes. Courses are offered in New York City, as well as in the live online format in topics like Excel and data analytics.

In addition, more than 100 live online data analytics courses are also available from top providers. Topics offered include FinTech, Excel for Business, and Tableau. Courses range from three hours to six months and cost from $219 to $27,500. In addition, a variety of live online data visualization courses are also offered for those who prefer studying in the virtual format. More than 80 classes are available, varying in length from three hours to ten weeks, and costing between $219-$12,995. Students can elect to learn about Tableau, SQL, Excel, and other relevant topics.

For those searching for a data visualization class nearby, Noble’s Data Visualization Classes Near Me tool makes it easy to locate and learn more about over 200 courses currently offered in the in-person and live online formats. Class lengths vary from three hours to ten weeks and cost from $119 to $12,995.