Data visualization for storytellers

In this workshop we will cover basic principles and good practice in data analysis and visual presentation, and then apply those principles using a number of tools for making charts and maps. The goal is for you to become comfortable “interviewing” data visually to find and tell compelling stories.

Schedule

• Day 1, am: Principles of data analysis and visualization

  • Before we leap into making charts and maps, we will consider the nature of data, and some basic principles that will help you present stories in a meaningful and efficient way.

• Day 1, pm: Getting started

  • We will start working with data, calculating some basic aggregate statistics and examining distributions.
  • We will make some static and interactive charts using simple web apps, and then finish with a quiz on some of the basic principles of data analysis and visualization convered in this morning’s session.

• Day 2, am: Data visualization with Tableau Public

  • We will learn how to use this powerful visualization tool to create a variety of charts.

• Day 2, pm: Making interactive maps with Carto

  • We will make simple interactive maps with this web-based mapping application, which also functions as a geospatial database.