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Saved by Tara Richerson
on October 17, 2011 at 5:08:33 pm
 

New tools for data visualization are frequently released. Many are free, some can be downloaded (vs. web 2.0), and others evolve with time. The ones described below are a fraction of what is available. You can find more listed on my Delicious account: http://delicious.com/tlricherson. Use the tags for "data," "visualization," and "tools." For more help, visit the Improving Data Visualization for the Public Sector Project.

 

Get started with selecting and creating a visualization

  • Choosing a Good Chart from the Extreme Presentation Method can help you decide which visualization format best suits your data. This downloadable one-sheet is available in multiple languages.

  • A Periodic Table of Visualization Methods gives you several categories and examples of ways to use information

  • Visualization Options from Many Eyes: A web-based tool with a variety of both familiar and unfamiliar ways to visualize both quantitative and qualitative data.

  • Exploratree gives you many choices for graphic organizers---a great way to begin moving into more visualizations.

  • Chartle: A Web 2.0 tool for creating interactive charts online.

  • Tagul, Wordle, Tagxedo, and Tag Crowd will allow you to make a variety of Word Clouds using your qualitative data (notes and other text).

  • Sparklines is a powerful open source add-in for Excel. It can also be downloaded with BeGraphic, allowing you to manipulate visualizations in PowerPoint.

  • The definitive site for free visual tools and devices also includes support tools. It is maintained by Karl Gude of Michigan State University's School of Journalism. 

  • Use MapAList to transfer your spreadsheet to a customized Google Map. 
  • Read about Choosing Colors. Then, make use of the Colorbrewer to preview how different shades of color will impact a visualization. Or, use the Color Scheme Designer or Kuler to help select color themes.
  • Download and use The Elements of Design and Color Theory quick reference sheets

 

For Advanced Users

  • Tableau allows you to visualize your data in a number of ways, then present it online.

  • Processing is "an open source programming language and environment for people who want to program images, animation, and interactions. It is used by students, artists, designers, researchers, and hobbyists for learning, prototyping, and production. It is created to teach fundamentals of computer programming within a visual context and to serve as a software sketchbook and professional production tool." The download is free.

  • Inkscape is an open-source version of Adobe Illustrator.

  • Microsoft's Pivot Viewer allows you to build and manipulate a database so that you can "swim" in your data.

  • UUorld "(pronounced 'world') provides an immersive mapping environment, high-quality data, and critical analysis tools."

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