Today, all kinds of companies are dealing with a great amount of data. Most people have realized the power of big data and analysis tools. However, even for people who are well-versed with statistical methods, it can be difficult to grasp all the insights drawn from large data sets.
Next, they have the task of explaining the insights to people from non-statistical and non-technical backgrounds. In these matters, numbers do not seem to help much. Therefore, people resort to data visualization.
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What is Data Visualization?
Visualization involves mapping the analysed data to space. When data is expressed in a visually appealing format like a pie chart, heat map or a violin plot, it becomes easier to understand.
There are numerous tools to accomplish data visualization.
Top Data Visualization Tools
Here are some of the most sought after data visualization tools.
1. Tableau
Tableau is one of the most popular visualization tools among businesses. It is available in two options – Desktop and Public. The Desktop version is for users who want privacy with their data. This version offers additional tools and capabilities.
Those who do not want to use the paid version can choose Tableau Public. As users need not write custom code on this tool, it is popular despite its high pricing. In the Public version, one can import data from Excel. In the paid version, there is support for other numerous data sources as well.
The drag-and-drop interface in Tableau makes it easy to quickly perform the desired tasks. Overall, it is a powerful tool which can support both simple and complex analysis.
2. Microsoft PowerBI
The highlighting features of PowerBI are:
- It is a free tool
- It seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools.
On the same platform, individuals and enterprises can perform data analysis and visualization. With PowerBI, users from non-statistical backgrounds can easily create machine learning models.
The tool is accessible from PCs and mobile phones making it all the more popular among businesses.
3. D3
D3 or D3.js is a Javascript library for data visualization. Users can use the tool to create interactive graphs on web browsers.
The best part about D3.js is its support for SVG. Scalable Vector Graphics or SVG, help in creating different variations of graphs for better visualization. Apart from SVG, the tool supports HTML and CSS too.
D3.js supports integration with a wide variety of tools for data processing. Users can easily map their data to SVG attributes and make creative charts to gain data-driven insights.
4. Sisense
The tool was originally made for creation of customized dashboards. However, Sisense offers much more than that today.
The powerful Sisense API helps data scientists create analytical apps for all kinds of data sets. Sisense is a visualization tool that was specifically to facilitate large data sets. Therefore, companies that deal with huge amounts of data on a daily basis, can rely on Sisense for visualization.
Today, non-tech employees across multiple industries effortlessly create dashboards to track and visualize data. The ones who are into technical specifications love the tool’s API and the freedom that comes with the ability to build versatile analytic apps.
5. HighCharts
HighCharts is best suited for teams that do not have much time to spend on training the members on tool usage. It helps in quickly creating flexible solutions with minimal training for non-data scientists.
It is purely built using Javascript and hence the user can easily add interactive graphs to web applications using the tool. The tool offers good compatibility.
While students and individuals can use the tool for free, businesses must purchase the license before they can use the tool.
6. E Charts
E Chart is yet another Javascript library for data visualization. It has good compatibility with all the major browsers.
As the name suggests, it is an enterprise-level data visualization tool. From PCs to mobile phones, the tool runs smoothly on a range of platforms. The tool offers multidimensional data analysis.
The tool’s free-to-use charts work for devices with varying screen-sizes. From regular statistical graphs to advanced concepts, the tool has a rich collection of charts.
7. Datawrapper
DataWrapper is one of the highly preferred tools for data visualization. It has several attractive features. For instance, charts created on the tool are responsive – they automatically adjust to the size of the screen.
Other features include responsive tables, a rich collection of charts and customizable maps. Students, marketeers, businesspeople, journalists and professionals from many other fields are happy users of the tool.
It is not mandatory to have coding and design skills to start working with the tool. The tool’s free plan offers some features. But for businesses who want to visualize real-time data, it is advisable to go for paid plans.
8. Leaflet
All users with secondary development skills can use Leaflet to visualize data. The tool has all the mapping features that developers generally require.
The tool has a quick start guide, plenty of tutorials and an elaborate API documentation. These online resources are more than enough to get anyone started. In case of any doubts, there is an FAQ section to help.
The tool not only runs smoothly on all major platforms, it also has the plugin mechanism which extends its use.
9. DataBox
DataBox is a great visualization tool; especially for professionals in the marketing field. From analysing the team’s efforts to predicting performance, DataBox offers numerous features for businesses.
Users can use DataBox to create analytics apps and customized dashboards on their PCs and mobile phones.
Users can get started with the tool using their free plan. However, to access complete functionality, it is better if enterprises subscribe to the paid plan.
Summary
For a business that deals with large amounts of data, it is recommended to choose a paid software for data visualization. Predictive and classification models can help in making strategic decisions for the business. Thus, paying for the visualization tool goes a long way in pulling up the ranks of the business.
Today, most of the tools are developed with non-technical professionals in mind. Thus, companies need not allocate extra budget or time to train their professionals to use the visualization tool.