Informational Visualization, Abstract Data And Data Analysis

By Diane Williams


When it comes to abstract data, it can often be difficult to interpret. A good example of informational visualization is that it is data in a visual form. In some cases, abstract data can be used in relation to human cognition and understanding. As this type of data includes non-numerical and numerical data, it also includes demographics such as geographical location. While sharing a close proximity to data design, it should be noted that this application is often compared more towards data analysis.

While a rather new field, information visualization has emerged from a number of pre-existing areas. For example, business methods, psychology, visual design, graphics, computer science, human computer interaction have all contributed to this new area of technology. Most believe the advances in documentation analysis and technology will only grow in the future.

Data analysis and this type visualization were developed in a way which allows users to view a great deal of information at one time. Similar to graphs and flow charts, the application allows an individuals to convey information to others, often on one sheet of paper. Once known as data analysis, the application is indispensable when it comes trouble-shooting and solving problems.

Data mining, machine learning, tree maps, plotting and scatter plots are all associated with the application. In addition, data analysis allows for the discovery of unstructured insights which are often brought to fruition by individuals with minimal training. As there are no special requirements to become a data analyst, there could very well be a lot of jobs for people interested in these applications in the future.

One of the best aspects of data analysis and visualization is that there is no special training required. While this is the case, most often those working in these positions are college graduates. Whereas, there are also many companies which will offer tuition reimbursement for those wishing to start or complete work towards a certificate or degree related to the field.

With regards to the brief history of the process, it started with basic computer graphics. Since that time, it has become an active part of the scientific community and many other areas. Although, the lack of ability with regards to graphics and sound enhancements, such as that provided by sound and video cards today was somewhat prohibitive in the beginning.

More recently, data analysis and computer graphics became an active and ongoing necessity in a number of industries. As a result, there are now a number of annual and semi-annual conferences and conventions which have forums, merchandising opportunities, panels and workshops dedicated to the area of data analysis and visualization.

Following the inception into the scientific field, the application has now become involved in digital libraries, data mining, information graphics, finance, health care, market studies, manufacturing and production control, crime mapping and policy modeling. As such, this type of visualization and abstract data have now gone where no data has gone before.




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