Data is the new oil. It runs today’s businesses. And without data, no industry can survive today. But merely possessing data will help you in combating competition? No, right? Analyzing data and extracting information from it to make sense of the data is what matters the most.
But still, you are far away from understanding the depth of the extracted information. And that is where Data Visualization kicks in. So, let’s get started with the article. Below is the run-down on the segments of this article:
- What is Data Visualization?
- What is the need for Data Visualization?
- What are the best Data Visualization tools?
- Why Power BI as a Data Visualization tool?
- What are the different visualization types in Power BI?
- How can we enhance the Data Visualisation capabilities of Power BI?
- What are some tips for Power BI users for visualizing data?
What is Data Visualization?
In Layman terms, Data Visualization is the process of explaining the extracted information from a dataset efficiently. It is the process of using graphical representations, like graphs, charts, maps, etc., for explaining the customer trend & preferences, demand & supply, patterns, and various other use-cases.
What is the need for Data Visualization tools?
The Visualization elements from these tools use pictorial representation like charts, maps, graphs to comprehend extracted insights. In an organization, there are technical and non-technical professionals working together cohesively. So, these visualization techniques help non-technical fellows to grab the concept quickly. It enables an organization to understand the actual picture of their market, products, and services. And how they are faring with the other services. And also look into the areas of improvement that the company needs to improve.
What are the best Data Visualization tools?
There are many tools for Data Visualization. But it depends on your requirement and use-case that which one suits you. It also depends on companies, as they choose a particular tool for visualizing data. Some of the best Data Visualization tools are Microsoft’s Power BI, Tableau, Qlik Sense, IBM Cognos Analytics, SAP Analytics Cloud, Sisense, Zoho Analytics, etc. Take a look at this Power BI Training course to master Power BI.
Why Power BI as a Data Visualization tool?
Power BI is a very robust Data Visualization tool that connects various data sources and turns them into interactive insights visually. It is known for its functionalities in Data Preparation and Visualization and offers connectivity to wide-ranging data sources. Power BI also comes with many customizable features in addition to easy integration to Big Data sources. And is one of the consistently growing tools in the Business Intelligence (BI) sector.
What are the different visualization types in Power BI?
Power BI uses an extensive list of visualization types to represent the extracted actionable insights. It uses charts, cards, maps, matrices, Power App Visuals, etc. All these visualization types can directly be added to your reports and pin them to dashboards suiting your preference. A Dashboard is a single page that unifies data from multiple sources and represents them using immersive visuals and interactive elements to tell a story of the underlying reports and data sources.
Let’s discuss each of the various types of visualization that is available in Power BI:
1.Graphs or Charts.
There are numerous types of charts that are available, and they are:
- Area Chart: Basic and Stacked
- Bar and Column Chart
- Combo Chart
- Funnel Chart
- Doughnut Chart
- Key Influencers Chart
- Line Chart
- Gauge Chart
- Key Performing Indexes (KPIs)
- Pie Chart
2.Maps
Various types of Maps that are in Power BI at the time of writing are:
- Basic Maps
- Azure Maps
- ArcGIS Maps
- Shape Maps
- Filled Maps
3.Power App Visual
You can also use the help from Report Designers to create a Power App and embed that into a Power BI Report to enable a consumer to interact with visuals within that Report.
How can we enhance the Data Visualisation capabilities of Power BI?
Microsoft offers many ways to enhance the Data Visualization capabilities of Power BI. It gives easy integration of R and Python to Power BI to help end-users customize their reports and make them more appealing. R has proven its strength in statistical computing and the range of graphics available for data visualization. R has the necessary packages and libraries to offer a robust platform for Data Visualization and Data Analysis. If you wish to master R, have a look into the R Course.
The other option you have is Python, which you can integrate with Python. It also has proven its Data Visualization capabilities but misses out on chart features, which Power BI can help it.
What are some tips for visualizing data to end-users?
Here are a few tips for end-users to help them better choose a tool that meets their specifications. Rather than simply picking up a famous tool only to find out, it doesn’t meet your customized preferences.
- Outline your objective with the visuals in a single line or two.
- Next, decide on tools that have flexible analytics, come with ERP capabilities, do not require expertise in Databases, and the final point is that it should have a focus on security, compliance, and governance.
- Confirm that your tool has all the capabilities needed to represent the insights gained. Think about templates, question the need for custom infographics, and their effect on the end-user and viewer.
You can also take up the Qlik Sense Certification course from a recognized e-learning partner to master it.