Data visualization is essential for all big companies. It helps businesses improve their strategies by discovering patterns. All the collected data is converted into a visual story. It isn’t that difficult to do that if you have all the right tools, and we are here to share with you some of the best ones. They are open source and they are available for free, which can be a huge advantage for all users.
Charted
This tool can be used to create bar charts and line graphs, using your Google spreadsheets and CSV files. If you use Charted you will also be able to benefit from its components, such as the UpSet component, the OnSet component and the LineUp component. Additionally, there are GeoJS geospatial visualizations and Vega visualizations.
Google Data Studio
Google comes with one of the best tools for data visualization, especially if you are a beginner. This tool is simple enough so that anyone can use it. You can use your Gmail account to set up the tool. It is also possible to connect it with other products like Google Analytics, YouTube Analytics, Google Sheets and Google AdWords.
Leaflet
Leaflet can be used to create your own interactive maps that work on mobile devices. You can also get the maps to work perfectly on other platforms, including desktop ones.
Google Charts
This is another tool created by Google, and it is just as simple to use it for data visualization. This tool comes with plenty of features and there are many charts that you can use.
MyHeatMap
This tool comes with a free version as well. You can use it to view geographic data and MyHeatMap allows you to add 20 data points for public maps. You can have different data sets for the same map and it is possible to switch between them.
Timeline
Just as the name suggests, this tool can be used for timelines. This can come in handy when you are working on your reports. Additionally, it is possible to connect Timeline with a Google Drive Account. This tool comes with its own templates that can be used for your spreadsheets.
ColorBrewer
If you care a lot about the visuals, you might enjoy the feature offered by ColorBrewer. This tool allows you to use different color schemes for your maps, which makes it easier to make the difference between colors when you have a large map.
Datawrapper
If you are looking for a tool that is mobile friendly, you might want to give this one a try. It comes with a free version that allows up to 10,000 chart views per month. Datawrapper can be used to create split charts, dot plots, arrow plots, scatter plots, choropleth maps bar charts, stacked charts and symbol maps. This tool is perfect for beginners because it does not require any knowledge about coding.
Palladio
This tool can be used for more complex data, especially when it comes to historical information. Palladio has plenty of features, including gallery view, map view, list view and graph view. You will see nodes connected by lines when your data is displayed. It is possible for you to customize your own lists and you can use the gallery view in order to see your data displayed within a grid.
Plotly
This open source tool had numerous functions. Your data visualizations can be edited and shared with the help of Plotly, and you can upload CSV files in order to create your own D3.js maps and charts. It is also possible to use Python or R to create charts.
Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post. In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.