Page Comparison

Overview

Visualization is about turning data and information into insights and knowledge using visual representations such as maps, charts, diagrams, and other infographics, also known as dashboards. This process involves a combination of skills ranging from including communications, technology, data analysis and graphic design. Data visualization is used to create products such as snapshots, interactive dashboards, and maps. Advanced GIS skills are also helpful although not always necessary.All the visual products, regardless of the technology used, will follow the OCHA branding standards on styles, fonts, colour palettes and templates. See the guidance section for further information about the branding standards.

1.

Choosing

the

In many cases, the requesting person already has a particular type of visualization in mind. For example, at the moment of an imminent disaster, the operations manager may request a snapshot of the baseline information including the population statistics, age and gender distribution, vulnerability assessment and livelihoods data. Since this baseline data will always remain the same and there is thus no need for real-time updates, the static option will do the job required.

On the other hand, when a disaster is already occurring, the operations management may require quick information about what is happening in the field. There might be multiple organizations conducting a rapid emergency needs assessment and this data needs to quickly reach the decision makers. If a static infographic is used, this data needs to be manually processed and updated. In contrast, an interactive dashboard, when properly set up, will do the job automatically. In such a situation - especially if the internet connection allows - an interactive visualization would be the best option.

right software

Different software is required for creating static and interactive visualizations. On both sides, there are several licensed and open-source options to choose from.

The three basic tools for creating static visualizations are:

• Excel (licensed, comes with Office 365) or an open-source alternative such as Google Sheets, LibreOffice or OpenOffice for creating charts, tables and simple maps.

• ESRI ArcGIS Pro (licensed) or QGIS (open-source) for creating simple and sophisticated maps.

• Adobe Illustrator (licensed) or Inkscape (open-source) for compiling the visuals and giving a neat finishing touch to the product.

The two basic tools for creating interactive visualizations include:

• Power BI (licensed, comes with Office 365) for creating the visuals. There are also many alternative tools such as Tableau (comes with free and paid versions) and ArcGIS Dashboards (licensed) but these are less commonly used at OCHA.

• Excel (licensed, comes with Office 365) or an open-source alternative such as Google Sheets, LibreOffice or OpenOffice for the data management and manipulation.

More information about the software license request and the subsequent procurement process is available here.

Outputs

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Static:

• Mozambique, Cyclone Idai: Response Organizations by District (as of 2 April 2019)

• Ethiopia: Northern Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan Snapshot (December 2020)

Interactive:

• Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Civil Society Response 3W (February 2020)

Useful resources

Design Fundamentals , October 2016