Unit 13: Data Visualization

Data visualization is a very useful tool in explaining complex or abstract ideas in simpler terms. But while working on the Data Visualization project, I found building a graph with the Google Graph Gallery far more challenging than it needed to be. First I had to collect the data, I picked something simple: the amount of new notable sanitariums built by year in the US. The main purpose of the project was to display the data and understand how it works, so I saw no need to go in depth and truly research.

After all, if all the desired research was to be done, I would have been building at a bare minimum of 5 different graphs:
1. the population of the US as along with the number diagnosed with tuberculosis as a line graph
2. the same data applied geographically
3. the number of sanitariums built by year (which was done for the project)
4. the same information then applied geographically
5. an overlapping time line of years in operation for each of the sanitariums

Sadly that undertaking was not feasible at the time, but as a compromise I could revisit the sanitariums in the story map project, which I believe should be fitting in communicating the information as well.

Building a simple graph using coding was difficult enough. I had built a table in Numbers (Mac's version of Excel) and was using that to collect years name and location from the lovely source of Wikipedia to then turn into a graph. I was probably better off just rendering the graph in the program then exporting it as an image, but I was determined to make the coding work. And for a basic graph, it did.

But if I were to use data visualization for any project beyond that one, I would not work directly wit the code again.

On the subject of data visualization, I don't believe I will be using much, if any, in the final project. Using a timeline or story map to show the advertisements will be far more effective. Not much progress on the project, still playing blog catch up.

In regards to applicable data sets, the standard census data is always important to an area. For Northern Virginia, all information regarding the Civil War is usually pertinent as well, whether it be the amount of troops stationed here for either side, or the numbers of who remained here after. Unfortunately I do not know if all that data has been collected into a presentable fashion. But the Library of Virginia has a collection of Civil War Records here.

Also as a side note, it seems blogger has changed how posts are edited and links posted since this project began. Like there is less design control, and has become more clunky. Possibly it is not playing well with the latest Firefox update.

Oh, the joys of technology.