Data visualization is used to derive meaning from datasets. When looking at a dataset containing many different records across many different fields, visualization is crucial. Since it is impossible to individually analyze every single item in a dataset, a graph, diagram, or map helps scholars understand overall trends in their data.
Depending on the type of data, scholars create visualizations to achieve different digital humanities goals. Network analysis, text analysis, geospatial data mapping, and overall exploratory data analysis are all tasks that are better understood by using various visualization tools.
By visualizing data, scholars are able to see the different trends and narratives present in their complex datasets. Visualizations also allow researchers to present their findings more clearly to an audience.
Digital scholars use all the following tools, with no coding required, to create helpful visualizations.
A web-based tool, emphasizing storytelling with data. Multiple graphs and visualizations can be presented like an interactive slideshow. Includes timelines, word clouds, geospatial maps, and also straightforward line charts and bar graphs.
Resources: Flourish Studio Help Center (Tool Information, Guides, etc.)
A web-based text analysis platform dedicated to text analysis. By inputting a URL or copying and pasting full-text, Voyant Tools analyzes text to reveal word frequency, common word associations, vocabulary density, and readability.
Resources: Voyant Tools Help (Guides, Tool Overview, etc.)
A web-based platform for geospatial data analysis, network analysis, and timeline creation. After loading a tabular data file or copying and pasting a spreadsheet, Palladio allows users to visualize temporal or geospatial data, highlighting the relationships between historical records or figures.
Resources: Tutorials and FAQ
A software-based tool used for network analysis. Compared to other tools, Gephi uses a 3D render engine to display visualizations in real-time. Visualizations are presented as dots with interwoven lines connected based on the relationships present in the uploaded dataset.
Resources: Quick-Start Guide
A software-based visualization tool primarily known for its business intelligence purposes. Tableau is used for exploratory data analysis, featuring density maps and geographic mapping tools. Though paid licensed versions are available, Tableau Public is free to use.
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