Blue background with points in a wave formation

What is data visualization?

Published on February 23, 2016 in Fleet Management by Mike Branch |  1 minute read


Learn about data visualization - an increasingly important tool to help fleets identify and understand trends in their telematics data.

Data visualization is becoming an increasingly important tool to help fleets identify and understand trends in their telematics data. GPS vehicle tracking makes it possible to capture a large amount and great variety of data, such as:

  • Stop times and idling
  • Speeding, acceleration, and braking
  • Planned and actual routes
  • Work hours
  • Spend amounts
  • Substrate spreading
  • and much more!

With data visualization techniques, fleet managers can make sense of this large volume of data and even draw correlations between data in a matter of seconds as opposed to spending hours or days sifting through report after report to draw the necessary conclusions.

Defining Data Visualization

Infographics, data visualization, dashboards — these terms all refer to the use of graphics to communicate information. For centuries, humans have used images to relate information and tell stories. The origin of data visualization has been linked back to the Ancient Egyptians, who surveyed and mapped the land and the stars. [1]

There are many different types of visuals that can be used. Graphs, charts, tables, maps, calendars, illustrations, pictograms, networks, and trees are just some examples. The shape that data can take is limited only by the imagination.

 

Related Reading: "3 Ways to Stay Innovative as Tech Rapidly Evolves" by Adam Fridman, Inc.

Using Images for Added Impact

The impact that visuals can have is undeniable. A picture is worth a thousand words. Look at this striking map by Huffington Post contributor and self-professed data geek Max Galka, “Every Death on Every U.S. Road 2004-2013,” which represents each fatal crash over ten years as a figure, telling who they were and what caused the accident.

Data Visualization 101 — Videos

The Art of Data Visualization - Off Book, PBS Digital Studios

This video featuring interviews with pioneers of the field, presents a fascinating look at the history of data visualization, how it works, and why it’s important.

David McCandless: The beauty of data visualization - TED Talks

In this TEDTalk, David McCandless shows how visuals can distill powerful meaning out of complex data.

 

References:

  1. IDRC, “Data Visualization in Review: A Summary,” May 7, 2012, http://www.idrc.ca/EN/Documents/Summary-Report-English-Final-7-May-2012.pdf 

More from this author

Do You Have a Big Data Graveyard?

 

Performance Benchmarking with Big Data white paper


If you liked this post, let us know!


Disclaimer

Geotab's blog posts are intended to provide information and encourage discussion on topics of interest to the telematics community at large. Geotab is not providing technical, professional or legal advice through these blog posts. While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this blog post is timely and accurate, errors and omissions may occur, and the information presented here may become out-of-date with the passage of time.

Get industry tips and insights

Sign up for monthly news and tips from our award-winning fleet management blog. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Republish this article for free

Other posts you might like

Geotab Connect illustration image

Geotab 2024 discussion recap: A Data-Driven Journey in Fleet Maintenance

This session at Geotab Connect 2024 highlighted best practices to use data for an effective fleet care plan.

March 11, 2024

Two women in a business meeting sitting in front of charts and a laptop

Empowering Success: Unleashing the Domino Effect of Connected Women

Insights from Women in Fleet Leadership at Geotab Connect

February 16, 2024

Person standing behind a container with signal illustration

How asset tracking drives risk management and lower insurance costs

Learn how asset trackers improve risk management and reduce insurance costs in transportation and logistics, featuring expert insights from Marsh, a leader in insurance and risk advice.

February 15, 2024

multiple vehicles on the road

What is ADAS?

ADAS are in-vehicle technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and assist the driver in better controlling the vehicle.

January 12, 2024