ROLE OF INFOGRAM, POWER BI AND
GOOGLE CHARTS
Infogram
Infograms are powerful tools in data visualization that combine graphics and
data to convey information clearly and engagingly. They typically include
charts, graphs, and images, designed to simplify complex data and highlight
key insights.
Here are some key aspects of infograms:
[Link]: Infograms present data in a straightforward manner, making it
easier for viewers to understand trends and patterns.
[Link] Appeal: They often use vibrant colors, attractive layouts, and
illustrations to capture attention and enhance comprehension.
[Link]: Infograms can narrate a story, guiding the viewer through
data in a logical sequence that emphasizes key points.
[Link]: Some infograms incorporate interactive elements, allowing
users to engage with the data by exploring different aspects or layers.
[Link]: By breaking down complex information into digestible
visuals, infograms make data accessible to a broader audience, regardless of
their familiarity with the subject matter.
Power BI
• Power BI is a robust business intelligence tool
designed for handling complex data analysis
and visualizations. It offers greater flexibility
and functionality when dealing with both
vectors and geometric data, especially in
professional or corporate environments where
advanced data analytics are required.
Handling Vectors and Geometric Data in Power BI:
• Geometric Data: Power BI excels at plotting
geographic data on maps. You can visualize points
(e.g., store locations, earthquake ) or regions
(e.g., countries, states) using built-in map visuals
or integrations with ArcGIS maps.
• Vector Data: Power BI can handle vector data by
representing directional and magnitude-based
information through custom visuals. For example:
Flow Maps: These can represent vector data,
such as traffic flows or trade routes between
locations. Geometric Transformations: Using DAX
(Data Analysis Expressions) or Power Query,
Power BI can compute vector magnitudes,
directions, and even perform geometric
transformations, such as calculating the distance
between two points on a map.
Power BI can also visualize 3D geographic data
(via Power Map) to represent vector data in three
dimensions, making it a powerful tool for more
complex vector-based visualizations.
Example :
Suppose you’re tasked with analyzing the
movement of goods between distribution
centers across the country. You have data on:
Geometric Data: The geographic locations of the
distribution centers (coordinates).
Vector Data: The movement of goods (routes,
direction, volume of goods moved).
Plot the distribution centers on a map.
Create flow maps to represent the routes
between centers, with the thickness of the lines
representing the volume of goods moved
(magnitude of the vector).
Calculate the distance between the centers and
track trends in shipping routes, using DAX
expressions for more advanced calculations.
Google Charts
Google Charts is a web-based tool used to
create interactive and customizable
visualizations.
It integrates seamlessly with Google Maps and is
highly flexible in handling both geometric data
and vector data, especially in web applications.
Handling Vectors and Geometric Data in Google Charts:
• Geometric Data: Google Charts supports the visualization of
geographic data through Google Maps. You can use markers to
display points, polygons to represent regions, and customize
these elements extensively.
• Vector Data: Google Charts can display vector data on maps using
lines, arrows, and other overlays to represent direction and
magnitude. You can create dynamic, real-time visualizations by
using the Google Maps API in combination with Google Charts.
Flow maps: Google Charts allows for the creation of flow maps to show
movement between locations, for instance, representing wind patterns or
migration routes.
Google Charts is highly customizable through JavaScript, it is well-suited for
scenarios where web-based interactivity is required, allowing users to zoom
in/out, change map views, and interact with the data in real time.
Example :
Let’s say you are working on visualizing wind
patterns in a region, where you have:
• Geometric Data: The geographic coordinates
of wind sensors.
• Vector Data: Wind direction and speed.
• Plot the locations of wind sensors on a Google Map.
• Overlay arrows (vectors) on the map to represent
the wind direction at each sensor’s location.
• Adjust the length of the arrows to represent the
wind speed (magnitude of the vector).
• Provide an interactive map that allows users to
zoom in on specific regions, hover over arrows for
more information, and dynamically update the data
as new wind measurements come in.
When choosing the appropriate tool for visualizing
vector and geometric data, consider the following
factors:
• Data Complexity:
– For simple geometric visualizations (e.g.,
representing locations or regional data), Infogram is a
good option due to its ease of use.
– For complex vector data (e.g., movement patterns,
directional data, or geometric transformations),
Power BI or Google Charts are better suited.
