When it comes to representing any form of data, the best way is to use tools that will get the job done.
This is where data visualization tools come in, as they greatly help individuals whose job is to present valuable data and information in a way that many of their clients and colleagues can easily understand.
What Is a Data Visualization Tool?
What is a data visualization tool, and how does it work? According to Tableau.com, it is a specialized data tool that uses various kinds of visual representation and elements, such as maps, charts, graphs, etc.
And just like any other tool in the market today, there are several benefits you can get from using a data visualization tool for your work or presentation. Additionally, there are many reasons why using it is very important for your work career in the long run.
Interesting Read: Bad Data Visualization Examples
What Are the Advantages of Using Data Visualization Tools?
When it comes to the notable advantages that you will get when using various data visualization tools, some of them are really simple. But, there are others that become very beneficial to the user. Here are they:
- Data visualization tools basically help users explain and distribute the data they have gathered in a simple and easy-to-understand form, wherein the important trends and outliers are highlighted from the rest.
- Data visualization tools lessen the workload of an individual who is tasked to explain the data to colleagues in their workplace. These tools also help them to develop professional skills in data distribution and management.
- These tools prepare the user to be more knowledgeable about new working trends in the business sector when it comes to gathering, distribution, and management. This is more prevalent in modern times as it quickly changes and evolves on how data is handled.
What Are the Various Types of Data Visualization Tools?
There are many kinds of data visualization tools currently present today, either in the form of freeware (a free tool or program that anyone can use with their device) or a paid software.
At first, you’d think that the tool is simply a pie chart or a graph that everyone can easily use. The truth is that there are many kinds of tools that you might not be currently aware of.
Listed below are some of the various types of data visualization tools, accompanied by a separate list of specific examples:
Here are some of the general types of data visualization tools currently present in the market:
- Graphs. The most common tool known in this type is the graph tool, a Python-based module that handles both manipulation and statistical analysis of various graphs, which are also known as networks.
- Infographics. These are a collection of various imagery, along with various charts accompanied by minimal text to provide an overview that is simple and easy to understand.
- Charts. Uses various symbols (i.e., bars in a bar chart, lines in a line chart, or slices of a pie in a pie chart) to show different kinds of data, ranging from tabular numeric data up to various functions of an object or subject matter.
- Maps. Also known as mapping software, it is a tool that is used for handling large amounts of data via mapping, modeling, querying, and analysis. Additionally, maps such as the world map, can be created from this tool.
- Tables. This tool is commonly used in communication, research, and data analysis as it handles the arrangement of various amounts of data via rows and columns. It can also use a complex data structure if needed.
- Dashboards. A data visualization tool that prioritizes the handling and distribution of Key Performance Indicators (KPI), along with other metrics and key data points for monitoring. This tool is commonly used by many Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies such as call centers.
Here are some that are most commonly used:
- Word Cloud – Used to show word frequencies from a data representation of words.
- Area Chart – Usually based on a line chart, it displays quantitative data via the usage of various colors, textures, and hatchings.
- Wedge Stack Graph – Used to visually present hierarchical data that is included in a radial system.
- Bar Chart – Data is represented via rectangular bars in this visualization tool, wherein each bar represents data via proportional bars in terms of height or length.
- Treemap – Uses nested rectangles that resemble a tree with its branches to present hierarchical data to the user.
- Box and whisker plots – This tool is meant for showing a data set through spreads and centers.
- Timeline – Often used for management tasks, this tool visually illustrates milestones, deadlines, and other essential data, including dates and events, in order to tie goals to specific dates.
- Bullet Graph – It is a variation of the bar graph, wherein it represents data via the usage of visual horizontal bars that contains the value of the data being handled.
- Steamgraph – Also called ThemeRiver, it presents data via a varying central baseline wherein data values are displaced.
- Cartogram – A specialized map that combines two types of information for representing data, namely statistical information with geographical location.
- Scatterplot (2D or 3D) – It is used to present two quantitative variables and their relationship to each other, usually using X and Y values in its presentation.
- Circle View – Best used for multidimensional data sheets that are usually time-referenced, wherein it gives the freedom to explore correlations and exceptions within the datasheets.
- Radial Tree – It uses a tree data structure to present data to its users, wherein the data expands outwards, enlarging the structure as a result.
- Dot Distribution Map – A type of thematic map that uses point symbols for a visual representation of geographical data distribution.
- Gantt Chart – Usually used as a project management tool, it helps in both planning and scheduling various projects via a specialized bar chart.
- Heat Map – It uses various colors for data visualization similar to a bar graph but combines all data via various colors in a single data palette.
- Matrix – Also considered as a diagram, this kind of tool is considered as a management planning tool that visualizes essential data via a matrix diagram, hence its name.
- Histogram – A data visualization tool that uses bars combined with a graph to show different values of data in a set.
Also Read: Misleading Data Visualization Examples
What Is the Importance of Using a Data Visualization Tool?
It might not be noticeable at first, but nowadays, it is important that a working individual in both business and government sectors is familiar with various kinds of tools.
At some point in their working career, they will be tasked with both handling and distributing important work-related data to their peers in their respective sectors.
Speaking of which, many business and government sector employees are using it for their data handling tasks. These sectors are usually the following:
- Government sectors
- Service industries
- Sports
- Education
- Marketing
- Finance
- Consumer Goods
- History
Additionally, data visualization tools can also work in other fields and services that handle data as part of their daily operational process.
Surprisingly enough, it can also be used by individuals who need a specific way of handling large amounts of data from their end.
The 10 Best Free Data Visualization Tools
There are many things to consider when choosing the best visualization tools available in the market today. But, don’t worry. To help you out, we created a list of the free best data visualization tools that are perfect for your needs.
1. Tableau Public
Available for both Windows and Mac
The first on our list is Tableau Public. It is a freeware tool many people consider the best of the best. Why? This is because it lets its users have a huge selection of interactive charts that they can use for their data presentation.
The said freedom when it comes to the variety of charts allows stakeholders to use those same charts for themselves, having full access to the data within them. This helps Tableau to be on the top against other data visualization tools present in the market today.
Additionally, it supports various kinds of charts, ranging from maps, stacked charts, scatter plots, and funnels. It can easily handle large amounts of data meant for presentation as well, thanks to its massive selection.
Explore: Best Open-source Data Catalog
2. Google Charts
Available for both Windows and Mac
Google Charts is another popular freeware data visualization tool backed by the famous tech giant Google. This tool still stands out from the rest of the competition even though it isn’t fully packed with features and varieties compared with Tableau Public.
Even if that is the case, it can still be a handy tool for many as it can easily be integrated with an individual website or used for data presentation.
Furthermore, Google Charts can easily work with websites that use both HTML and Javascript. That simply means that many people worldwide have access to this specific tool and can easily use it without extensive knowledge when handling it.
And because it’s an online tool, it can be quickly accessed by many globally. That also means that the user of this tool can simply present their data online with easy access to engagement as stakeholders can ask questions and other relevant things to the presenter in real-time.
The user can select 18 officially supported charts as the basis of their presentation as well. However, if they find that selection lacking, they can head to the community’s creations to find the right chart that will fit their needs.
3. D3: Data-Driven Documents
Available for both Windows and Mac
This freeware tool is the most complex data visualization tool that is free of charge, as it primarily uses the JavaScript library for the creation and handling of data charts and templates. Don’t be turned off by the complex nature of D3: Data-Driven Documents, as it will easily get the job done right.
Since it uses the JavaScript library, expect to have a vast choice when it comes to choosing the right chart or template for your data visual presentation. It can handle simple projects to complex applications that handle data presentation.
Once you have overcome the technical challenges of this data visualization tool, you can get a lot more from it. It will give you more options for data visual presentation than other tools currently present in the market today.
4. RAWGraphs
Available online for both Windows and Mac
If you really want to use the D3 freeware tool, but want to avoid the complications of handling a JavaScript library and its technical difficulties, then this online freeware tool is the one for you. RAWGraphs is usually paired with the D3 tool for optimal usage and best results.
This helps users to have an easier time understanding and handling the JavaScript Library of D3. It does so by simply providing an online editor to the user, which then a chart is chosen next, and finalizing it by selecting the right axis.
Users have the freedom to customize their creations within the tool itself. Once done customizing, they can easily integrate their chart to their website by using the embed code.
The only known downside of this freeware is that it is a bit limited when it comes to its graph library, as there are only 16 options currently. However, that is offset by the freedom of adding their own into the library, expanding it in the process.
Interesting Comparison: Tableau Vs Power BI
5. Fusion Table
Available online for Windows and Mac
If you prefer easy-to-access online tools rather than local and offline tools, then Fusion Table is the perfect data visualization tool for you.
The Fusion Table is part of the list of experimental online apps that Google hosts in their online catalog of office tools (i.e., Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) that its users can freely use from their end.
The best feature of this online tool that sets it apart from the others is that it can easily integrate the data you have to the available online data sets hosted on the tool’s website. That means that you, as the user, can simply create visualization charts that are stunning yet informative.
Additionally, since it is an online tool, you can readily update it with new data gathered from your sources or from individuals who have access to it. You can even make your data visualization charts public, so many can have access to it, as long as they have a Google account.
6. Visme
Available online for Windows and Mac
Visme is an online data visualization tool that is initially free to use (but with very limited options and features). You can then subscribe to their plans so that you can get more features and options.
They offer three kinds of annual paid plans, namely Standard, Business, and Enterprise, respectively.
Don’t be turned off by the pricing of their plans as Visme provides access to a full set of tools such as a graph maker, chart templates, and a data widget, wherein you can easily create various types of data visualization from your end.
Furthermore, you can add your created visualizations to your current projects without complications and hard-to-do stuff, as the tool supports that feature as well.
You can even import your data from Google Sheets and create custom templates and dashboards from imported data. Additionally, it provides a wide variety of tools and templates to choose from, making each of your data visualization presentations distinctly different from the others you have created.
Also Read: Qlik Sense Vs Tableau
7. Infogram
Available online for Windows and Mac
Just like with the previous tool on the list, Infogram is also an online visualization tool. However, it is meant for both infographics and reports, which can be limited to others who are looking for an all-around online visualization tool.
Despite that, this tool is best at what it was designed for. It shows by the ease of use the tool offers and the learning curve on how to use this particular tool is relatively low, making it a good choice for those who aren’t accustomed to handling data visualization tools.
Even though its main purpose is for infographics and reports, Infogram still offers 30 kinds of charts and single maps that are highly customizable by the user. They also provide a social media graphics option, which can be handy for people who use many kinds of social media platforms for their data visual representation.
Another feature of this tool is that it has a dedicated, all-in-one dashboard template library. Storing a variety of types of visualizations in one place makes it easy for many users to track data and be in touch with new trends.
8. Whatagraph
Available online for Windows and Mac
If you are in need of a visualization tool that is perfect for social media platforms, PPC (Pay-Per-Click) marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and email campaigns, Whatagraph is the right tool for you.
Whatagraph users can efficiently do a lot of visualization presentations with this fancy and accessible tool in no time.
Tailor-made for social media and email marketing campaigns, this tool shows and analyzes them via stunning and animated visualizations. The tool can be easily integrated with various services and then create analytic dashboards that are branded as well.
Additionally, digital marketers will have a field day with this tool to quickly create visual dashboards that will meet their client’s needs. They can easily compile reports and dashboards via the integrations of various marketing channels linked to the tool itself.
9. Databox
Available for Windows, Mac & Mobile
This visualization tool is very similar to the previous tool mentioned, but it is simpler to use and provides more options.
Databox offers its user a wide range of templates, along with a DIY tool that is easy to use from one’s end. This DIY tool can integrate data from various sources. This gives the user the flexibility on what to create from their end with the data they have.
This tool can efficiently be accessible to many, as it is not only available to both Windows and Mac but also on mobile as well (both Android and iOS). This gives the user portability so that they can work on their visualization presentation anywhere and on the go if needed.
10. Visualize Free
Available online for Windows and Mac
If you need a visualization tool that primarily supports Flash and HTML5 content, you should take a look at Visualize Free. Users who rely on these for data presentation will have a breeze using this.
A simple and easy-to-understand online tool, Visualize Free processes the visualization of the data fed into its memory via the implementation of Flash and HTML5 software. It can result in highly creative and interactive data presentations that both users and stakeholders can interact with.
Additionally, the tool offers an easy way of filtering data and pieces of information that it gathers through input of the user and can even make the presentation private for a while to fix the data visual presentation without disturbances from their end.
Thanks to the interactive nature of the presentation itself, both the users and stakeholders can easily add, remove, or edit the data within the presentation to their needs. And they can do it anytime and anywhere as long as they have immediate access to a computer with an internet connection.
Which Data Visualization Tool is Right for You?
There are many other data visualization tools that are available in the market today. The ones we have featured in this article are the best of the best out of the competition.
However, you are free to choose your own visualization tool based on your preferences and needs.
You may refer to the list above as a guide for choosing the right tool for you, especially if you don’t have a specific visualization tool in mind. We’re sure that these tools will surely meet your expectations for your data visualization presentations.
