Skip to main content

Blue background with points in a wave formation

What is data visualization?

Last updated on December 28, 2023 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 Geotab's monthly newsletter to stay updated on news and tips from the world of telematics. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Republish this article for free

Other posts you might like

two people standing infront of a red truck

How telematics informs driver coaching for field service fleets

Telematics transforms driver coaching for field service fleets, boosting safety and efficiency with targeted, data-driven strategies and actionable insights.

October 7, 2024

A technician performing maintenance on a fleet vehicle.

What is predictive maintenance (PdM)? Benefits, challenges & examples for fleet management

Predictive maintenance could be the key to avoiding breakdowns and expensive repairs.

September 12, 2024

Fleet Maintenance Woes? Automation Is the Answer

What is fleet maintenance? [Benefits + checklist]

Ignoring fleet maintenance can be a costly mistake. Learn how to routinely inspect fleet vehicles with this helpful checklist.

September 11, 2024

A semi-truck driving down a paved road.

55+ trucking industry statistics: trends + outlook [2024]

Uncover 55+ trucking industry statistics and what they mean for the future of trucking.

September 3, 2024

View last rendered: 10/15/2024 15:32:25