Visualization (under review)

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 communications, technology, data analysis and 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 (on the right) for further information about the branding standards.

Process

1. Choosing between the static and interactive options

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.

There are also many other aspects to consider, one important one being the access to internet among the user community. One of the key disadvantages of interactive dashboards is their dependency on high-speed internet access. Yet, especially in immediate post-disaster settings, the telecommunications infrastructure might be seriously damaged. Hence, the personnel in the field may not have access to constant (if any) internet. In such situations, one or more printed static visualizations might be strongly preferred over an interactive one.

When in doubt, considering the following questions may help to make a choice between the options:

• Is the data going to update and if so, how often? For very frequent updates (e.g. several times a week or more often), a static visualization may be time-consuming, as manual updating and exporting is required everytime new figures come in.

• How much time do I have? Generally, an interactive dashboard is quicker to set up, especially if using an existing template. Hence, when in hurry, an interactive dashboard could be the way to go, even if there is not necessarily requirement for filters, slicers or other interactive elements. Once you have more time in your hands, you can start creating a more visually appealing static dashboard.

• What is the key element in the dashboard? If the main component is a map with a plenty of detail, the interactive data visualization tools may not be strong enough for accommodating this (unless using a map-centered platform such as ArcGIS Maps or Carto)

• Who are the main users and where are they located (e.g. in the HQ, regional office, field office, mobile field team)

• How is the internet connectivity among the users of the dashboard? For those based in the HQ or regional offices, there are usually no constraints to internet access. However, if the main users will be based in the field, will they be able to load and display an interactive dashboard?

2. Choosing the 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.

3. Dissemination

No product is complete without proper dissemination and distribution. While the first step is to share the product with the requesting party, such as the operations manager, it is important to consider who else would benefit of the product. In the case of public, non-restricted visualizations, it is often a good idea to inform the broader humanitarian community about the existence of the product. For example, a short message on the operations-specific Skype/Teams IM channel will bring the product to the attention of the IMOs from other organizations, potentially saving them from the effort of creating a similar product by themselves.

On the other hand, a product containing any sensitive or restricted information (such as personal data) should be clearly labelled as “Internal”. Likewise, they should be distributed only among those pre-approved by the operations management. Such products should never be made accessible through a public link but through internal channels (such as email or Sharepoint).

Outputs

Useful resources

Design Fundamentals , October 2016