Data visualization is an efficient and effective medium for communicating large amounts of information, but the design process can often seem like an unexplainable creative endeavor. This concise book aims to demystify the design process by showing you how to use a linear decision-making process to encode your information visually. Delve into different kinds of visualization, including infographics and visual art, and explore the influences at work in each one. Then learn how to apply these concepts to your design process. Learn data visualization classifications, including explanatory, exploratory, and hybrid Discover how three fundamental influences—the designer, the reader, and the data—shape what you create Learn how to describe the specific goal of your visualization and identify the supporting data Decide the spatial position of your visual entities with axes Encode the various dimensions of your data with appropriate visual properties, such as shape and color See visualization best practices and suggestions for encoding various specific data types

Practical data design tips from a data visualization expert of the modern age Data doesn't decrease; it is ever-increasing and can be overwhelming to organize in a way that makes sense to its intended audience. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could actually visualize data in such a way that we could maximize its potential and tell a story in a clear, concise manner? Thanks to the creative genius of Nathan Yau, we can. With this full-color book, data visualization guru and author Nathan Yau uses step-by-step tutorials to show you how to visualize and tell stories with data. He explains how to gather, parse, and format data and then design high quality graphics that help you explore and present patterns, outliers, and relationships. Presents a unique approach to visualizing and telling stories with data, from a data visualization expert and the creator of flowingdata.com, Nathan Yau Offers step-by-step tutorials and practical design tips for creating statistical graphics, geographical maps, and information design to find meaning in the numbers Details tools that can be used to visualize data-native graphics for the Web, such as ActionScript, Flash libraries, PHP, and JavaScript and tools to design graphics for print, such as R and Illustrator Contains numerous examples and descriptions of patterns and outliers and explains how to show them Visualize This demonstrates how to explain data visually so that you can present your information in a way that is easy to understand and appealing.

Using Microsoft Visio 2010 is a customized, media-rich learning experience designed to help new users master Microsoft Visio 2010 quickly, and get the most out of it, fast! It starts with a concise, friendly, straight-to-the-point guide to Microsoft Visio 2010. This exceptional book is fully integrated with an unprecedented collection of online learning resources: online video, screencasts, podcasts, and additional web content, all designed to reinforce key concepts and help users achieve real mastery. The book and online content work together to teach everything mainstream Microsoft Visio 2010 users need to know. This practical, approachable coverage guides readers through all facets of working with Visio 2010, and adds coverage on new features and capabilities including: Visio's brand-new Ribbon interface, Live Preview, Auto size, align and adjust, Containers, status bar navigation tools, and data graphics legends. The 2010 edition also includes coverage on Visio services, processes management tools, new diagram types, and much more. Practical, approachable coverage that completely flattens the Microsoft Visio 2010 learning curve Tightly integrated with online video, screencast tutorials, podcasts, and more: the total learning experience for new Microsoft Visio 2010 users Companion website offers supplemental media including video, screencast tutorials, podcasts, and much more

Discover how to create compelling, interactive dashboards efficiently using SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards 4.0 (formerly Xcelsius). In this comprehensive cookbook, learn step-by-step recipes that guide you through practical tasks leveraging the tool's advanced features like dynamic visibility and live data connections. What this Book will help me do Master the use of Dashboard Design's spreadsheet and data-driven components to efficiently create professional dashboards. Learn various data visualization techniques to present data clearly and effectively within your dashboards. Implement dynamic interactivity and control logic using features like Dynamic Visibility to enhance dashboard usability. Understand how to connect dashboards to live data sources for up-to-date and real-time business insights. Explore and utilize additional Dashboard Design features and add-ons to customize and extend the capabilities of your dashboards. Author(s) The author(s) of this book are seasoned professionals in SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards and enterprise dashboard design. With years of experience in teaching and applying these tools in practical settings, they aim to demystify complex dashboarding concepts and empower professionals to build impactful visualizations. Who is it for? This book is targeted at developers and business professionals who wish to sharpen their skills in dashboard creation using SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards 4.0. Readers should have a basic understanding of dashboards and some experience with Excel to benefit from this content. It's ideal for those new to SAP Dashboard Design seeking a comprehensive and practical guide.

Experience learning made easy—and quickly teach yourself how to create professional-looking business and technical diagrams with Visio 2010. With Step by Step, you set the pace—building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Build a variety of charts and diagrams with Visio templates Draw organization charts, floor plans, flowcharts, and more Apply color, text, and themes to your Visio diagrams Use Visio shapes to link to, store, and visualize data Collaborate on diagrams with Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Create custom diagrams with your own shapes and templates Your Step by Step digital content includes: All the book's practice files—ready to download and put to work. Fully searchable online edition of this book—with unlimited access on the Web. Free online account required.

Tips, techniques, and trends on harnessing dashboard technology to optimize business performance In Performance Dashboards, Second Edition, author Wayne Eckerson explains what dashboards are, where they can be used, and why they are important to measuring and managing performance. As Director of Research for The Data Warehousing Institute, a worldwide association of business intelligence professionals, Eckerson interviewed dozens of organizations that have built various types of performance dashboards in different industries and lines of business. Their practical insights explore how you can effectively turbo-charge performance–management initiatives with dashboard technology. Includes all-new case studies, industry research, news chapters on "Architecting Performance Dashboards" and "Launching and Managing the Project" and updated information on designing KPIs, designing dashboard displays, integrating dashboards, and types of dashboards. Provides a solid foundation for understanding performance dashboards, business intelligence, and performance management Addresses the next generation of performance dashboards, such as Mashboards and Visual Discovery tools, and including new techniques for designing dashboards and developing key performance indicators Offers guidance on how to incorporate predictive analytics, what-if modeling, collaboration, and advanced visualization techniques This updated book, which is 75% rewritten, provides a foundation for understanding performance dashboards, business intelligence, and performance management to optimize performance and accelerate results.

The go to resource for how to use Excel dashboards and reports to better conceptualize data Many Excel books do an adequate job of discussing the individual functions and tools that can be used to create an "Excel Report." What they don't offer is the most effective ways to present and report data. Offering a comprehensive review of a wide array of technical and analytical concepts, Excel Reports and Dashboards helps Excel users go from reporting data with simple tables full of dull numbers, to presenting key information through the use of high-impact, meaningful reports and dashboards that will wow management both visually and substantively. Details how to analyze large amounts of data and report the results in a meaningful, eye-catching visualization Describes how to use different perspectives to achieve better visibility into data, as well as how to slice data into various views on the fly Shows how to automate redundant reporting and analyses Part technical manual, part analytical guidebook, Excel Dashboards and Reports is the latest addition to the Mr. Spreadsheet's Bookshelf series and is the leading resource for learning to create dashboard reports in an easy-to-use format that's both visually attractive and effective.

Design and Deliver Oracle CRM On Demand Dashboards Create custom, interactive dashboards to deliver actionable business intelligence directly to end users with help from this Oracle Press guide. Oracle CRM On Demand Dashboards provides comprehensive coverage of the versatile features available in Oracle Answers On Demand coupled with detailed planning and design strategies for building and deploying reports and dashboards with Oracle CRM On Demand. Real-world examples and time-saving formatting tips are included throughout this practical resource. Configure administrative settings to access report and dashboard development tools Take advantage of built-in dashboards Plan dashboards and reports based on business needs Create, edit, manage, save, and delete custom dashboards Configure dashboard properties and pages Add and configure dashboard objects, such as guided navigation, links, images, and folders Display and arrange reports on dashboards Develop dashboard filter prompts Deploy dashboards to Oracle CRM On Demand end users

In the book 'Microsoft Visio 2010 Business Process Diagramming and Validation', you'll master the specialized features of Microsoft Visio 2010 Premium. This guide focuses on creating structured diagrams and validation rules, helping you enhance the accuracy and clarity of your business data visualization. What this Book will help me do Gain expertise in leveraging Visio's structured diagram tools for business process mapping. Learn how to build, customize, and apply Validation Rules for ensuring diagram accuracy. Develop skills in using the Visio Object Model and ShapeSheet to create advanced diagramming solutions. Understand and implement enhanced diagramming templates and rules, including BPMN and custom workflows. Acquire techniques for creating add-ins and publishing templates to establish company-wide diagramming standards. Author(s) David Parker, the author of this insightful book, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Microsoft Visio. His expertise includes creating complex diagramming solutions and training professionals in maximizing Visio's features. David's hands-on approach and understanding of business process needs make this a practical and enriching guide. Who is it for? This book is for users and developers of Microsoft Visio 2010 Premium Edition who want to master diagram validation and structured diagrams. Beginners with basic Visio knowledge and experienced users aiming to develop advanced applications will both benefit from this resource. It is especially useful for professionals seeking to enforce accuracy and compliance in their diagrams.

Gnuplot in Action is the first comprehensive introduction to gnuplot—from the basics to the power features and beyond. Besides providing a tutorial on gnuplot itself, it demonstrates how to apply and use gnuplot to extract intelligence from data. Particular attention is paid to tricky or poorly-explained areas. You will learn how to apply gnuplot to actual data analysis problems. This book looks at different types of graphs that can be generated with gnuplot and will discuss when and how to use them to extract actual information from data. About the Technology Statistical data is only as valuable as your ability to analyze, interpret, and present it in a meaningful way. Gnuplot is the most widely used program to plot and visualize data for Unix/Linux systems and it is also popular for Windows and the Mac. It's open-source (as in free!), actively maintained, stable, and mature. It can deal with arbitrarily large data sets and is capable of producing high-quality, publication-ready graphics. So far, the only comprehensive documentation available about gnuplot is the online reference documentation, which makes it both hard to get started and almost impossible to get a complete overview over all of its features. If you've never tried gnuplot—or have found it tough to get your arms around—read on. About the Book One of gnuplot's main advantages is that it requires no programming skills nor knowledge of advanced mathematical or statistical concepts. Gnuplot in Action assumes you have no previous knowledge of either gnuplot or statistics and data analysis. The books starts out with basic gnuplot concepts, then describes in depth how to get a graph ready for final presentation and to make it look "just right" by including arrows, labels, and other decorations. Next the book looks at advanced concepts, such as multi-dimensional graphs and false-color plots—powerful features for special purposes. The author also describes advanced applications of gnuplot, such as how to script gnuplot so that it can run unattended as a batch job, and how to call gnuplot from within a CGI script to generate graphics for dynamic websites on demand. What's Inside Creating graphs with gnuplot Data transformations and filters Preparing/polishing graphs for final presentation Publishing graphs in print or on the Web Using gnuplot's power features Gnuplot scripting and programming Types of graphs and when to use them Techniques of graphical analysis How to build, install, and develop for gnuplot Command and Option reference organized by concept About the Reader Gnuplot in Action makes gnuplot easy for anyone who needs to do data analysis, but doesn't have an education in analytical tools and methods. It's perfect for DBAs, programmers, and performance engineers; business analysts and MBAs; and Six-Sigma Black Belts and process engineers. About the Author Philipp K. Janert is Chief Consultant at Principal Value, LLC. He has been a gnuplot user for more than 15 years and regards it as one of the indispensable tools in his toolbox. He has worked for small start-ups and in large corporate environments, both in the US and overseas, including several years at Amazon.com, where he initiated and led several projects to improve Amazon's order fulfillment processes. Philipp K. Janert has written about software and software development for the O'Reilly Network, IBM developerWorks, IEEE Software, and Linux Magazine. He holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Washington. Visit his website at www.principal-value.com. Quotes Knee-deep in data? This is your guidebook to exploring it with gnuplot. - Austin King, Mozilla Sparkles with insight about visualization, image perception, and data exploration. - Richard B. Kreckel, GiNaC.de Incredibly useful for beginners - indispensable for advanced users. - Mark Pruett, Systems Architect Dominion Bridges the gap between gnupolt's reference manual and real-world problems. - Mitchell Johnson, Border Stylo A Swiss Army knife for plotting data. - Nishanth Sastry, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge/IBM

Pro SQL Server 2008 Analytics provides everything you need to know to develop sophisticated and visually appealing sales and marketing dashboards using SQL Server 2008 and to integrate those dashboards with SharePoint, PerformancePoint, and other key Microsoft technologies.

In this Wrox Blox, you'll learn how to create powerful Dashboards for Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. First, we introduce Web Part Pages and some of the out-of-the box Web Parts available in WSS. We then look at how to use Web Part Connections to add interactivity to our Dashboards. Later we create advanced Dashboard Views using the Data Form Web Part available with SharePoint Designer 2007. While the author focuses on Windows SharePoint Services, all of the topics discussed also apply to Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 as it is a superset of WSS. This Wrox Blox will be valuable for anyone wishing to share data on their SharePoint site.

A hands-on guide to making valuable decisions from data using advanced data mining methods and techniques This second installment in the Making Sense of Data series continues to explore a diverse range of commonly used approaches to making and communicating decisions from data. Delving into more technical topics, this book equips readers with advanced data mining methods that are needed to successfully translate raw data into smart decisions across various fields of research including business, engineering, finance, and the social sciences. Following a comprehensive introduction that details how to define a problem, perform an analysis, and deploy the results, Making Sense of Data II addresses the following key techniques for advanced data analysis: Data Visualization reviews principles and methods for understanding and communicating data through the use of visualization including single variables, the relationship between two or more variables, groupings in data, and dynamic approaches to interacting with data through graphical user interfaces. Clustering outlines common approaches to clustering data sets and provides detailed explanations of methods for determining the distance between observations and procedures for clustering observations. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering, partitioned-based clustering, and fuzzy clustering are also discussed. Predictive Analytics presents a discussion on how to build and assess models, along with a series of predictive analytics that can be used in a variety of situations including principal component analysis, multiple linear regression, discriminate analysis, logistic regression, and Naïve Bayes. Applications demonstrates the current uses of data mining across a wide range of industries and features case studies that illustrate the related applications in real-world scenarios. Each method is discussed within the context of a data mining process including defining the problem and deploying the results, and readers are provided with guidance on when and how each method should be used. The related Web site for the series ( www.makingsenseofdata.com) provides a hands-on data analysis and data mining experience. Readers wishing to gain more practical experience will benefit from the tutorial section of the book in conjunction with the TraceisTM software, which is freely available online. With its comprehensive collection of advanced data mining methods coupled with tutorials for applications in a range of fields, Making Sense of Data II is an indispensable book for courses on data analysis and data mining at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as a valuable reference for researchers and professionals who are interested in learning how to accomplish effective decision making from data and understanding if data analysis and data mining methods could help their organization.

THE DEFINITIVE, COMPREHENSIVE, OFFICIAL GUIDE TO XCELSIUS 2008 DASHBOARDS Using Xcelsius, you can create powerful, interactive dashboards, gather data from spreadsheets or databases, and deliver knowledge that can be instantly understood and acted upon. Now there’s a definitive, authoritative guide to making the most of Xcelsius 2008, the newest version of this breakthrough product. Loren Abdulezer, editor-in-chief of Xcelsius Journal, shares insider’s knowledge that goes far beyond any other book or online help resource. Abdulezer introduces Xcelsius 2008, reviews its core concepts, and demonstrates the wide range of dashboards it can create. After you know what’s possible, you’ll go deep inside Xcelsius, gaining hands-on experience with every feature you need to master. You’ll learn how to quickly represent any data with charting components; use dials, gauges, and speedometers; incorporate multiple layers in your dashboards and visualizations; use Xcelsius to perform more useful analyses and manage more interactively; work with maps, demographics, and segmented data; create “smart data” and alerts; and much more. Abdulezer offers tips and tricks you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll learn how to work with data that isn’t rock-solid--and even how to create your own custom components that go beyond Xcelsius’s built-in features. Whether you’re a business intelligence or database professional, power user, developer, or consultant, this book will help you create superior Xcelsius dashboards--and make better decisions. THE ONLY XCELSIUS 2008 DASHBOARDING BOOK YOU NEED Use Xcelsius 2008 to get better answers, identify emerging trends and opportunities, and manage more effectively Learn hands-on, through step-by-step examples using real business data Discover tips and tricks proven in real-world environments Deliver dashboard content in whatever format works best: as HTML pages, PowerPoint presentations, PDF files, or Word documents Fully leverage the information in your Excel spreadsheets--and go beyond Excel to use XML source data, too Implement Xcelsius best practices drawn from the hard-won knowledge of the entire global user community ON THE WEB Registered owners of the book can find all this and more online: All sample files used in the book Additional guides and tutorials to help you build dashboards Templates and example files for new dashboard interfaces Introduction 1 Part I Xcelsius 2008 Fundamentals 1 Motivation for Using Xcelsius 2008 11 2 Showcase of Xcelsius 2008 Dashboards 33 3 Getting Familiar with Xcelsius 2008 43 4 Embedded Spreadsheets: The Secret Sauce of Xcelsius 2008 69 5 Using Charts and Graphs to Represent Data 127 6 Single Value Components: Dials, Gauges, Speedometers, and the Like 157 Part II Xcelsius 2008 Best Practices and Techniques 7 Using Multi-Layer Visibility in Your Dashboards and Visualizations 181 8 Managing Interactivity 203 9 Xcelsius and Statistics 229 10 Financial Analysis 257 11 Maps in Xcelsius 275 12 Smart Data and Alerts 297 13 Working with Less-Than-Optimal Data 315 14 Other Dashboard Techniques and Practices 337 Part III Advanced Features 15 XML and Data Connectivity 353 16 Creating Custom Components for Fun and Profit 371 Part IV Appendices A Supported Spreadsheet Functions in Xcelsius 2008 401 B Xcelsius Product Family Comparison 415 C Xcelsius Best Practice Techniques and Hip Pocket Tips 425 Index 431

Today's information environment demands that we all save time, improve efficiency, and be more creative in our thinking. Mind Mapping is an essential business tool you can add to your intellectual armory. This Infoline will introduce you to the concept of Mind Mapping. You will learn how to read and create Mind Maps, use Mind Maps for common business and training processes, and increase your creativity and effectiveness by using Mind Maps. Trainers can more specifically use Mind Maps to outline prospective courses or programs, illustrate a business case for new projects or funding, organize training program content, l generate ideas during meetings and training sessions, andl draw connections between business needs and developmental efforts.

What’s the use of putting out reports that no one reads? Properly created dashboards are graphical representations that put data in a context for your audience, and they look really cool! How cool? You’ll find out when you see the dazzling examples in Excel 2007 Dashboards & Reports For Dummies. And, before long, everyone’s eyes will be riveted to your dashboards and reports too! This revolutionary guide shows you how to turn Excel into your own personal Business Intelligence tool. You’ll learn the fundamentals of using Excel 2007 to go beyond simple tables to creating dashboard-studded reports that wow management. Get ready to catch dashboard fever as you find out how to use basic analysis techniques, build advanced dashboard components, implement advanced reporting techniques, and import external date into your Excel reports. Discover how to: Unleash the power of Excel as a business intelligence tool Create dashboards that communicate and get noticed Think about your data in a new way Present data more effectively and increase the value of your reports Create dynamic labels that support visualization Represent time and seasonal trending Group and bucket data Display and measure values versus goals Implement macro-charged reporting Using Excel 2007 as a BI tool is the most cost-efficient way for organizations of any size create powerful and insightful reports and distribute throughout the enterprise. And Excel 2007 Dashboards and Reports for Dummies is the fastest you for you to catch dashboard fever!

Describes how to use Advanced DataGrid, OLAP DataGrid, Advanced charting, and automation agents.

THE ONLY VISIO 2007 BOOK YOU NEED “This book makes Visio as much fun as a video game.” Bob and Joy Schwabach, “On Computers,” Universal Press Syndicate We crafted this book to grow with you, providing the reference material you need as you move toward Visio® 2007 proficiency and the use of more advanced features. If you buy only one book on Visio® 2007, Special Edition Using Microsoft Office Visio® 2007 is the only book you need. • Working with shapes, stencils, and themes • Using the Data Graphics feature for extra customization • Importing content from Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project • Displaying data as text, data bars, icons, and color-coding using Data Graphics • Creating custom stencils, icons, and templates • Storing and displaying employee information in organization charts • Customizing the layout of organization charts • Creating database models, flowcharts, and Gantt charts • Connecting shapes in network drawings • Using digital ink and animation • Creating macros • Handling guides and rulers • Working with layers • Getting the most from ShapeSheets

Create and distribute data-connected Microsoft Office Visio diagrams and reports Get full details on the powerful features of Microsoft Office Visio 2007 inside this comprehensive volume. Written by Visio expert David Parker, Visualizing Information with Microsoft Office Visio 2007 demonstrates how to effectively visualize, explore, and communicate complex business information. Learn to use PivotDiagrams, Data Graphics, and Smart Tags, as well as link data to shapes and create meaningful Visio documents and reports. Plus, you'll get vital security information, time-saving tips, troubleshooting techniques, and downloadable macros and code samples. Essential Skills for Database Users and Professionals Create shapes and link them to data Summarize and analyze information using PivotDiagrams Use Data Graphics, Smart Tags, and SmartShapes to reinforce information Generate robust Excel, HTML, and XML reports Create custom, reusable templates, stencils, and masters Update and enhance diagrams with Reviewer's comments and markups Integrate Visio diagrams with other Windows applications Publish and securely distribute Visio documents and summaries Extend functionality using VBA macros, add-ins, and wrapper applications

Get expert advice and learn how to master Microsoft® Office Visio® 2007—from the inside out! This book packs hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds, all in concise, fast-answer format. Includes a companion CD.