VISUALIZING AND EXPLORING DATA

TECHNIQUES OF VISUALISATION
WHY REPRESENT DATA VISUALLY?
WHY REPRESENT DATA VISUALLY?

 To ease data interpretation for all

 94% content viewership depends on images
 90% information transmitted to brain is visual
 12% growth in web traffic with infographics
 Sharing visual data is faster
 To ease the task of trend spotting
 Helps recognize patterns in financial reports
 To make complex data simpler
VISUALIZING AND EXPLORING DATA

 Dashboards

 Column and Bar charts

 Pie charts

 Line charts

 Scatter chart

 Bubble charts

 Pareto analysis
TYPES OF CHARTS
TYPES OF CHARTS
VISUALIZING AND EXPLORING DATA
Dashboards
 DASHBOARDS

 Making data visible and accessible to employees at all levels is a hallmark of effective modern organizations.

 A dashboard is a visual picture of a group of specific business measures. It is similar to the dashboard of an
automotive, such as a car, which displays fuel level, speed, seat signs, temperature, and so on.

 Dashboards deliver important key synopses of valuable business data to efficiently manage a business function or
process.

 Dashboards might include tabular as well as visual data to allow managers to quickly locate the key data.
DASHBOARDS
Dashboards
TYPES OF DASHBOARD

 Strategic Dashboard

 A strategic dashboard is a reporting tool for

monitoring the long-term company strategy with
the help of critical success factors.
 Operational Dashboard

 It is used for monitoring and managing

operations that have a shorter time horizon.

  They are mostly used for monitoring and

analyzing a company’s activities in a given
business area.
 Analytical Dashboard

 It contains a vast amount of data created

and used by analysts to provide support
to executives.

 The importance of analytical dashboard

lies within their impact on historical
data usage, where analysts can identify
trends, compare them with multiple
variables and create predictions, and
targets, which can be implemented.
 DATA LABELS AND DATA TABLES CHART
OPTIONS
 Data labels can be added to chart elements to
show the actual value of bars.

 Data tables can also be added; these are

usually better than data labels, which can get
quite messy. Following figure shows data
labels and data tables chart:
 BAR GRPAHS OR BAR CHARTS

 The pictorial representation of a grouped data, in the form of vertical or horizontal rectangular bars, where the lengths of
the bars are equivalent to the measure of data.

 The bars drawn are of uniform width and the variable quantity is represented on one of the axes. Also, the measure of the
variable is depicted on the other axes. The heights or the lengths of the bars denote the value of the variable and these
graphs are also used to compare certain quantities. The frequency distribution tables can be easily represented using bar
charts which simplify the calculations and understanding of data.
 BAR CHARTS

 Bar charts are normally used for categorical data.

 Each category is represented by a vertical (or

horizontal) bar.

 All bars should have equal width and the distance

between subsequent bars are kept constant.

 It is important that the X and Y axes are labelled

and the chart has an appropriate title.
BAR CHARTS

 show each data category in a frequency distribution  often require additional explanation
 display relative numbers/proportions of multiple
categories  fail to expose key assumptions, causes,
 summarize a large amount of data in a visual, easily
impacts and patterns
intepretable form
 can be easily manipulated to give false
 make trends easier to highlight than tables do
impressions
 estimates can be made quickly and accurately

 permit visual guidance on accuracy and

reasonableness of calculations

 accessible to a wide audience

COLUMN AND BAR CHARTS

Category Amount
 Horizontal bar graphs are usually called bar charts. ($)

 Vertical bar graphs are usually called column charts. Electronics $211.89
Clothing 134.40
 The following table shows spending on back-to-college shopping by
Furnishings 90.90
an average student: Supplies 68.47
Misc. 93.72
 HORIZONTAL BAR CHARTS

 Bar charts are normally drawn so that the bars are vertical
which means that the taller the bar, the larger the category.
However, it is also possible to draw bar charts so that the
bars are horizontal which means that the longer the bar, the
larger the category.

 This is a particularly effective way of presenting data when

the different categories have long titles that would be
difficult to include below a vertical bar, or when there are a
large number of different categories and there is insufficient
space to fit all the columns required for a vertical bar chart
across the page.
 GROUPED BAR CHARTS

 Grouped bar charts can be used to show several sub-groups

of each category but care needs to be taken to ensure that the
chart does not contain too much information making it
complicated to read and interpret. Grouped bar charts are a
way of showing information about different sub-groups of
the main categories.

 Grouped bar charts can be drawn as both horizontal and

vertical charts depending upon the nature of the data to be
presented.
 STACKED BAR CHARTS

 Stacked bar charts are similar to grouped bar charts in that

they are used to display information about the sub-groups
that make up the different categories. In stacked bar charts
the bars representing the sub-groups are placed on top of
each other to make a single column, or side by side to make
a single bar. The overall height or length of the bar shows
the total size of the category whilst different colours or
shadings are used to indicate the relative contribution of the
different sub-groups.
STACKED BAR CHART: EXAMPLE

Yearwise Industry Growth %

IT

Industry 2015 2016 2017

Steel
Power 3 2 4

Electical
Cement 5 -3 3

Electical 3 4 3 Cement

Steel 5 4 2 Power

-4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
IT 4 3 4
2015 2016 2017
CLUSTER COLUMN CHART

 Cluster column chart in excel is a column chart which represents data virtually in vertical
columns in series.

 Simple to make but complex to see virtually.

 Steps to make a cluster column chart

 Step 1:  enter the data in excel sheet.

 Step 2: Select the data > Go to Insert > Column Chart > Clustered Column Chart.

 Step 3: Do the formatting to arrange the chart neatly.

Pros and Cons of cluster column chart

• Pros
1.Allow direct comparison of multiple data series per category
2. We can spot the changes very easily.
3. Easy to make and understand.

• Cons
1.Creates confusions if the data is too large.
2.There are chances of overlapping of many subseries.
3.May not be able to fit everything in one chart.
 In the chart, quarterly sales of four
regions i.e. East, West, North & South
are given. X-axis denotes the four
quarters, Q1, Q2, Q3 & Q4
respectively. Whereas Y-axis denotes
the quarterly sales in 10,000’s.

Example of a cluster column chart

 MULTI-COLUMN CHART: EXAMPLE

Yearwise Industry Growth %

6
Industry 2015 2016 2017 5

4
Power 3 2 4
3

Cement 5 -3 3 2

1
Electical 3 4 3
0
Power Cement Electical Steel IT
-1
Steel 5 4 2
-2

IT 4 3 4 -3

-4

2015 2016 2017

CUSTOM COMBINATION

Industry 2015 2016 2017

Power 3 2 4

Cement 5 -3 3

Electical 3 4 3

Steel 5 4 2

IT 4 3 4
 AREA CHARTS

 Area chart is similar to line charts except that the area below the plot line is solid.

 It can primarily be used to show trends over time or other category.

 It is useful when we have different time series data and we have to showcase the relation of each set
to the whole data.

 Charts can be made in 2-D format and in true 3-D format with X, Y, and Z axes.
Pros and Cons of Area chart

• Pros
1. Comparison of the trend: After looking Area Chart in Excel, it gives us clear understanding regarding
the trend followed by each product.
2. Comparison between small no. of the category: The Stacked Area is more easy to understand than the
overlapped. Though, it surely takes more effort in reading than it took for a chart which has two
categories.
3. Comparison between Trends and not the values: The overlapped data is also readable and helpful by
giving the colors and the appropriate values.

• Cons
1. Understanding: To deduce the values or data of the plot, it should be read with respect to the previous
plot from which we have to make a comparison. Everyone is not used of it.
2. Difficult to analyze: Sometimes it is very much difficult to read the data and analyze to achieve the
desired results.
 The given chart is an
example of a area chart.
It explains the wildlife
population of Bears,
Dolphins and Whales
respectively in the years
between 2017 to 2022.
X-axis represents the
years and Y-axis
represents the
population in numbers
where 1unit=50.
Example of Area Chart
SCATTER PLOT CHART

 A scatter -plot (also called an XY graph, or scatter diagram) is a two-dimensional chart that shows
the relationship between two variables.

 independent variable is on the x-axis, and the dependent variable on the y-axis.

 The chart displays values at the intersection of an x and y axis, combined into single data points.

 Main purpose is to show how strong the relationship, or correlation, between the two variables is.
The tighter the data points fall along a straight line, the higher the correlation.
Pros and Cons of Scatter Plot chart

• Pros
1. It shows the relationship between two variables.
2. It is the best method to show you a non-linear pattern.
3. The range of data flow, i.e. maximum and minimum value, can be determined.
4. Plotting the diagram is easy.

• Cons
1. It cannot give you the exact extent of correlation.
2. It does not show you the quantitative measurement of the relationship between the variables. It only
shows the quantitative expression of quantitative change.
3. This chart does not show you the relationship for more than two variables.
 The given chart is a scatter
plot chart with positive
correlation. The chart explains
the relationship between two
variable i.e. calories
consumed and weight gained.
Here calories consumed is
shown on X-axis and weight
gained is shown on Y-axis

Example of Scatter Plot Chart

 SCATTER CHART AND LINE CHART

Step 1: Select the worksheet range

Step 2: On the Insert tab, click the XY (Scatter) chart command button.

Step 3: Select the Chart subtype that doesn’t include any lines. Excel displays your data in an XY
(scatter) chart.
 SCATTER CHART AND LINE CHART

Step 4: Add a trendline by clicking the

Step 5: Explore trendline options and add Axis titles
Add Chart Element menu’s Trendline
command button.
 SCATTER CHART AND LINE CHART

Step 6: Add the Regression Equation to the scatter plot. Choose the More Trendline Options command
from the Trendline menu.

Then select both the Display Equation on Chart and the Display R-Squared Value on Chart check boxes.
This tells Excel to add the simple regression analysis information necessary for a trendline to your chart.
Note that you may need to scroll down the pane to see these check boxes
 SCATTER CHART AND LINE CHART

In Excel 2007 and Excel 2010, you click the Charting

Layout tab’s Trendline button and choose the More
Trendlines Option to display the Format Trendline
dialog box.

You can also use the Forecast Forward and

Backward text boxes to specify that a trendline
should be extended backward or forward beyond
the existing data or before it.
BUBBLE CHART

 Bubble chart in excel is used when we want to represent 3 sets of data in a graphical way. 

 Bubble chart in excel is actually a type of scatter plot, in scatter plot we have data points on
the chart to show the values and comparison whereas in bubble charts we have bubbles
replacing those points to show the comparison and similar to the scatter plots bubble charts
have data comparison on both horizontal and vertical axes.
BUBBLE CHART

 Bubble Charts:

 A bubble chart is a chart related to scatter chart, in which the data marker size corresponds
to a third variable; thus, it is a method to display three variables in 2D space. Following
figure shows a bubble chart:
Pros and Cons of Bubble Chart

• Pros
1. The bubble chart in excel is a better chart when it applied for more than 3 dimension data sets.
2. Eye-catching bubble sizes will attract the reader’s attention.
3. Visually appearing better than the table format.

• Cons
1. May be difficult for a first time user to understand very quickly.
2. Sometimes gets confused with the bubble size.
3. If you are a first time user of this chart definitely you need someone’s assistant to understand
the visualization.
4. Overlapping of bubbles is the biggest problem if the two or more data points have similar X &
Y values, the bubble may overlap or one may be hidden behind another.
 The given chart is a
example of bubble
chart, where the
company has two
products: Technology
AAA and Technology
BBB. The chart
compares the tow
products. X-axis denotes
the range in miles,
where 1unit=500 miles
and Y-axis denotes the
capacity in tones where
Example of Bubble Chart 1unit=10 tons.
PIE CHARTS

In pie chart the relative frequencies are represented by a slice of a circle.

Each section represents a category.

The area of a section represents the frequency or number of objects within the category.

They are very useful in showing relative proportion.

But their effectiveness tends to diminish for more than eight categories.
 PIE CHARTS
A type of graph in which a circle is divided into sectors that each represent
a proportion of the whole.

• A pie chart is best used when trying to work out the composition of something. If you have
categorical data then using a pie chart would work really well as each slice can represent a
different category.

• Pie charts are those charts that look like pies, hence the name. Each pie is split into slices with
each slice representing one particular group of data. The size of the slice shows you how much of
that group of data you have. Businesses can use pie charts to show their market size, such as this
one showing how much of the market a particular shoe company has.

• It works well when you need to present and measure simple data, but it may not suit complex
needs as well as other visualization tools such as bar graphs.
PIE CHARTS
Food
Fruit Vegitable Dairy Protein Grains

10%
Recommended healthy Diet  

Food Percentage
35%
Fruit 35%

28%
Vegetable 14%

Dairy 13%

Protein 28%

Grains 10%

Total 100% 14%

13%
PIE OF PIE AND BAR OF PIE CHARTS

Food
Recommended healthy
Diet   Fruit Vegitable Dairy Protein Grains
Food Percentage 10%
Fruit 35%
35%
Vegetable 14%
28%
Dairy 13%
Protein 28%
Grains 10%
13% 14%
Total 100%

If your Excel pie graph has too many small slices, you may want to create a Pie of
Pie chart and display small slices on an additional pie, which is a slice of the main
pie.
 PIE OF PIE AND
BAR OF PIE CHARTS
Food

Recommended healthy Diet  

Food Percentage 10%

Fruit 35% 35%
28%
Vegetable 14%

Dairy 13% 14%

13%
Protein 28%

Grains 10%

Total 100% Fruit Vegitable Dairy Protein Grains

Bar of Pie chart is very similar to the Pie of Pie graph, except that the selected
slices are displayed on a secondary bar chart.
SCATTER CHART AND LINE CHART

Scatter charts and line charts look very similar, especially when a scatter chart is displayed with
connecting lines.

However, the way each of these chart types plots data along the horizontal axis (also known as the x-
axis) and the vertical axis (also known as the y-axis) is very different.
PARETO CHART

 A Pareto chart is a bar graph. The lengths of the bars represent frequency or cost (time or money), and
are arranged with longest bars on the left and the shortest to the right. In this way the chart visually
depicts which situations are more significant.

 Uses of Pareto Chart

 When analyzing data about the frequency of problems or causes in a process

 When there are many problems or causes and you want to focus on the most significant

 When analyzing broad causes by looking at their specific components

 When communicating with others about your data

PARETO CHART

Type Frequency
Poor wiring 40%
Short in the coil 30%
Defective plug 25%
Cessation of 5%
bearings
Pareto charts often include an
ogive to show cumulative
frequency.
 RADAR CHART

Radar chart is also named spider chart

Category 2016 2017
Radar Charts in Excel are very handy to show a rating on
several performance areas. Quality 3 2
Reliability 4 5
Example: A manager wants to give out performance Speed 3 2
Responsiveness 3 4
reviews of its team members. He prepared a Radar chart
Efficiency 4 3
to show his colleagues how their performance was Profitability 5 3
compared to last year!

Here is an example of a table with several ratings

 RADAR CHARTS

• The closer the peak of a variable to the center, the lesser is the value and vice versa
• Usually used for performance metrics
• Can be used for comparative analysis
• More area covered indicates better performance

Disadvantages:
• Can be cumbersome to accommodate more than 4 subjects for comparison
• They cannot reveal metrics if one variable has a priority over others
• Generally do not include total scores and they have to be displayed separately.
EXAMPLE
A Simple Radar Chart For
Comparison Between 3
Gymnasts

Interpretations:
• Overall Gymnast 2 has the worst
performance as his chart covers the
least area.

• Scores:
Gymnast 1- 32
Gymnast 2- 28
Gymnast 3- 41

Gymnast 3 has the best performance and

is the winner.
SPARKLINE

 A sparkline is a tiny chart in a worksheet cell that provides a visual representation of data. 

 Sparklines are used to show trends in a series of values, such as seasonal increases or decreases, economic cycles,
or to highlight maximum and minimum values.

 Sparklines are positioned near its data for greatest impact.

Student Maths Physics Chemistry Biology English Sparkline
Name

Rajiv 70 89 56 78 65

Sanjiv 89 67 53 59 78

Rahul 78 65 78 89 90

Sushil 59 79 78 78 89

Preeti 78 87 89 90 91
 EXCEL SPARKLINE
What is Sparkline in Excel?
• A Sparkline is a small graph which used to represent a series of data. Apart from a well-fledged chart, it fits
into a single cell. It is commonly used to showcase the data trend for a particular period. Three different data
visualizations are available

Why use Sparkline?

• Sparkline graph helps you to avoid the chore of creating a big chart which can be confusing during analysis.
• It is a common visualization technique used in dashboards when you want to picture a portion of data from
a large dataset.
• Sparkline is not an object like excel graphs it resides in a cell as ordinary data.
• When you increase the size of the Excel, Sparkline automatically fit into the cells according to its size.
SPARKLINE

 Excel Sparklines were introduced in Excel 2010 version. 

 It is small line chart that could be easily embedded with the text and gives a great presentable output
for easier depiction when aligned next to the tabular data. 

 Sparkline’s design is not limited to lines they can also be represented as columns or win loss. 

Student N ame Maths Physics Chemistry Biology English Sparkline Sparkline-1

Rajiv 70 89 56 78 65
Sanjiv 89 67 53 59 78
Rah ul 78 65 78 89 90
Sushil 59 79 78 78 89
Preeti 78 87 89 90 91
THANK YOU !!