Visualisation

Visualisation is the practice of representing information visually to aid understanding, analysis, and communication. It covers data visualisation, which emphasizes numerical data and quantitative relationships, and information visualisation, which focuses on abstract structures such as networks, hierarchies, and concepts. Scientific visualization, a related field, renders physical or simulated phenomena from measurements or computational models.

Data visualisation transforms data into charts, maps, and diagrams to reveal patterns, trends, and outliers. Information visualisation uses interactive and exploratory techniques to help users comprehend complex information spaces. Common forms include bar charts, line charts, scatter plots, heat maps, choropleth maps, treemaps, network diagrams, and geographic visualisations. Interactive features such as filtering, zooming, and brushing enable deeper inspection.

Design and cognitive considerations play a central role in visualisation. Effective visualisations choose appropriate encodings, scales, and axes, use color and labeling carefully, and strive for clarity and minimal bias. Accessibility is important, including color choices suitable for color-vision deficiencies and compatibility with assistive technologies.

History and development trace to early statistical graphics and cartography, expanding with computer graphics and interactive software. Modern visualisation often combines automated data processing with human-centred design, enabling dashboards, storytelling, and exploratory analysis in fields such as business, journalism, science, engineering, geography, and public policy.

Limitations include potential misrepresentation through misleading scales or overplotting. Ethical practice emphasizes accuracy, transparency of methods, and clear communication of uncertainty.