Likewise, data visualization uses metaphors. Our brain constructs metaphors to help us understand concepts. In everyday life, we’re able to interpret our surroundings instantaneously just by looking around. If seeing is believing, understanding how data visualization works starts with how our eyes and brain inform us. Without this visual way to see data and abstract its patterns, the data itself could be incomprehensible - just a myriad of numbers. If you’ve ever looked at a pie, bar or line chart, you’ve seen data visualization examples. The visualization of data makes it even more valuable because it is easier to consume as information, which in turn becomes knowledge. Data has value only when it is processed, analyzed and remembered.People of any spoken or written language can communicate with visual metaphors.Visual metaphors are a universal language.Charts, graphs and photos convey information more quickly than a large spreadsheet or densely written report.

Why is data visualization important? Data visualization is an effective way to universally share complex concepts that may otherwise be difficult to convey. Technology allows users to interact with the data by changing the parameters to see more detail and create new insights. It presents data as an image or graphic to make it easier to identify patterns and understand difficult concepts. Data visualization is a graphical representation of data.

Best data visualization tools 2015