Understanding data VisUalizations Tyler Hoff data geek
CHAP TER 1 Introduction Have you ever wondered how to read a confusing map Or maybe you saw an odd picture on your Instagram timeline It was not a picture of a pet food or sunset Instead it was filled with numbers and words and you didn’t know where to start These kinds of images are called infographics If you have seen images like this and wondered what they meant this book is for you Maps infographics charts and other things that show information visually are called data visualizations Data visualizations are everywhere They are shared on social media presented by politicians and journalists and hung on classroom walls Even a subway map is a kind of data visualization 4 21st century skills library
If you’ve ever used a map to find your way you’ve successfully read a data visualization Because data visualizations are so popular we need to know how to read them Data visualizations can be fun For example they can tell you the most popular bands in different states who cooks the weirdest food on Thanksgiving and where people like to travel to the most in winter Many other kinds of important information are contained in visualizations as well You might look up directions or weather forecasts using maps You might look at charts to learn about crime statistics This book will break down data visualizations and explore what different types do well and not so well This way you can easily read confusing data visualizations 5 55 Data Geek
