What is Data Visualization?

One of the most useful tools available for those working in data analytics to present complicated material in an accessible way is data visualization. This rapidly evolving field is focused on using visual representations like graphs or charts to convey raw data. 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. These visual representations of data aren’t just informative and engaging, they also tell a story about the information, allowing audience members to spot outliers, notice trends, and see patterns emerge. Visually conveying points is a powerful way to leverage data in order to achieve the desired outcome.

There are many kinds of data visualizations, each of which serves a specific professional purpose. Some of the most popular techniques for conveying information are:

  • Histograms
  • Waterfall charts
  • Area charts
  • Scatter plots
  • Infographics
  • Maps
  • Pie charts
  • Bar charts
  • Heat maps

Because we live in an increasingly visual culture, those who know how to present information in visually engaging stories have the power not only to help make sense of past events but to offer predictions for the future as well.

This article will explore two data visualization tools, Google Charts and Infogram, to see which is a better option for your data visualization needs.

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Google Charts

Google Charts is a free data visualization tool for designing interactive charts that can then be displayed online. Because its charting library is JavaScript-based, Google Charts allows users to easily add interactive charts to applications that can be run anywhere on the web. Their chart gallery provides many ready-to-use kinds of charts to meet visualization needs.

Google Charts makes it possible to display data visualizations on a website. The charts are powered using data from a database or static data. Seventeen different types of charts can be made using Google Charts, both traditional and non-traditional charts, including:

  • Histograms
  • Candlestick charts
  • Area charts
  • Timelines
  • Gauge charts
  • Pie charts
  • Organization charts

Each of these charts can be completely customized by using basic CSS editing.

Google Charts has many real-world applications, such as:

  • In the stock exchange, candlestick graphs are utilized to depict losses or gains.
  • When conducting financial reporting, charts can be created to illustrate cash-flow data.
  • For website statistical reporting, Google Charts makes it possible to visually depict visitors to a site, as well as what they are doing when they get to the site.
  • When conducting public statistical reporting, map or geo visualizations can enhance visibility for global key performance indicators.

Pros & Cons of Working with Google Charts

Pros

The following are some of the main benefits to using Google Charts for visualizing data:

  • This tool is free to use for personal, educational, and commercial endeavors.
  • Data in Google Charts can be sourced from many locations, like Google Sheets or Fusion. Real-time data linking is also possible using data connection protocols and tools.
  • Google Charts allows users to manipulate the software by using its customization options. Charts can be tailored to individual aesthetics and brands, and altered to have different overlays, lines and points, and color schemes.
  • Google ensures that the data that is stored on Charts is safe and stored.
  • Interactive elements like animations can be used in Charts to provide a more engaging user experience.
  • Google Charts is user-friendly and only requires that those working with the tool have a basic understanding of JavaScript.
  • It can be easily integrated into existing websites by embedding the app and uploading the libraries.

Cons

These are the main drawbacks to using Google Charts:

  • This library can only be used online. In offline endeavors, the API cannot be called, which would mean that requests would not be sent and no graph would be returned.
  • Because an understanding of JavaScript is required to get the most out of Google Charts, this may make working with this tool difficult for those who do not have a background in programming.
  • Some users claim that it is difficult to embed charts using Google Charts.
  • Customer service isn’t as readily available on Google Charts as some users would desire.

Infogram

Infogram is a reliable, easy-to-use tool for data visualization. This suite of tools provides users with a means of presenting important data and messages in a visually appealing and understandable format. It optimizes a drag-and-drop visualization tool that enables users who don’t have any prior experience with document design to make creative and compelling visualizations. After visualizations are finalized, they can be easily exported into a variety of formats, like PDFs or JPGs, and then shared with other team members or stakeholders.

In addition, users who wish to embed interactive visualizations into apps or websites can do so using Infogram.

A variety of chart types can be made using Infogram, like:

  • Multiple axis line charts
  • Pie charts
  • Bar charts
  • Dual axis charts
  • Column charts
  • Pyramid charts
  • Tables
  • Word clouds

Infogram has many success stories around the globe. Some examples of it real-world applications include:

  • Zephyr Real Estate uses Infogram to visually depict market trends to a broad audience that extends beyond real estate agents. They communicate trends using email newsletters, print marketing, presentations, and websites, and use Infogram to streamline the process of working with different output formats.
  • The Access to Medicine Foundation relies on Infogram to create stunning prints and interactive reports, which allows it to share findings and provide important information about medicines around the world.
  • Fairfax Media is Australia and New Zealand’s largest publisher. Using Infogram’s interactive charts has helped to double user engagement on news pages.

Pros & Cons of Working with Infogram

Pros

Here are just a few of the benefits of using Infogram for data visualization:

  • Infogram users are drawn to this tool’s ease of use and clean design. By dragging and dropping the desired tools, users can easily create a professional-grade presentation
  • Excellent customer service is one of the perks of using Infogram. Users mention that they offer fast, helpful responses to questions.
  • Infogram makes it easy to share files. Users can convert them into common formats, like GIF, JPG, or PDF, and share them with others or include them on websites.
  • The comprehensive library of features and tools available on Infogram enables users to fully develop their creative projects. There are more than 20 templates from which to choose, and users can also elect to customize their visualizations by adding images, GIFs, or even their company logo.
  • Infogram lends itself well to collaborative endeavors in which team members need to work on the same task.

Cons

There are also a few drawbacks to working with Infogram to consider:

  • When users move their mouse over a linked object to signal that it is clickable, there are no rollover effects.
  • Capabilities on Infogram are fairly limited in the free version, which means users must pay for the premium version to have access to all the capabilities.
  • Infogram works best when other programs are not running at the same time.

Which Comes out Ahead?

While both Google Charts and Infogram provide helpful data visualization tools, which one is right for you and your organization?

  • In terms of price, Google Charts remains a free service, whereas Infogram has tiered pricing options, in addition to a free plan that comes with basic features. However, to get the most out of Infogram, you must purchase the premium edition.
  • Because Google Charts requires an understanding of JavaScript, Infogram is the best option for those who lack training in this programming language.
  • In terms of customer service, Infogram users praise the customer service options, whereas some Google Charts users wish for a more extensive support system.
  • For collaborative projects, Infogram allows users to easily share files with one another so that multiple team members can work on the same task.
  • Google Charts can only be used online, which makes Infogram a more appealing option for those with limited internet access.

Hands-On Data Visualization Classes

Are you interested in learning more about how to create stunning and helpful data visualizations? If so, check out the more than six dozen live online data visualization courses available for students who want to study how to design their own data visualizations in the live online learning format. Topics include Tableau, Python, Excel, and Power BI, among others.

Noble Desktop’s data analytics classes are open to students with no prior coding experience. These full-time and part-time courses are taught by top New York Data Analysts and provide timely and hands-on training for those wishing to learn more about topics like Python, SQL, Excel, or data science, among others.

Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool is designed for those who want to locate other data visualization courses in the area. More than 200 course options are available that provide training for those who are new to working with data, as well as those with prior experience who hope to perfect their data visualization skills.