Data visualization is a term for tools that help users comprehend large sums of data that are not easily intelligible. Data visualization tools take raw data and transform them into visual representations like charts and spreads that help break the information down into more accessible categories.

Data visualization is a broad term, and a lot falls under its umbrella. Typical forms of data visualization include pie charts, scatter plots, tree diagrams, and bar graphs.

One oft-overlooked but incredibly useful data visualization tool is the map. Almost everyone is familiar with how to navigate a map, so using one to visualize data can have widespread use. Map generators like maptive.com can take complex raw data and transform it into a map that allows users to detect patterns that might lead to new understanding.

There are countless ways to visualize data on a map, each one conducive to different practices and users. Custom maps can be a boon to businesses and individual users alike.

Radius and Proximity Tool

Geospatial visualizations are nothing new. They have been used for centuries and continue to be adapted to suit the needs of modern users. Nowadays, some map generators are calibrated to work with Google Maps to allow optimal customization.

A sophisticated radius and proximity tool can be incredibly useful for mapping the distance between locations in a specified area. Some of them are even cloud-based, making for easy on-the-go mapping that is always within reach. Cloud-based software also allows for easy sharing between users, making it a great choice for business projects or group research projects.

With a radius mapping tool, users can map the distance from the focal point of the radius to several locations within proximity. Mapping proximity can help businesses view which competitors are in the surrounding area and which demographics are closest to their company locations.

On website like Maptive, users can make real-time adjustments to their map and export data into an XLS or CSV file.

Pie Chart Clustering

Charts and maps can join forces to provide extra clarity where data is particularly dense. Maptive offers pie chart clustering, meaning users can further sort data from locations into easy-to-understand charts.

Pie charts are excellent for quickly visualizing information as they are concise and well-marked with color-coding. They are particularly useful for condensing information when a map is already teeming with location markers. Too many location markers or markers that overlap can make a map difficult to read, counteracting the point of data visualization.

Map clustering helps users analyzing data from a high number of locations or international locations, as cluster information will show even while looking at the entire scope of the world map.

Map clustering is also helpful for calculating the averages of several locations. By enabling map clusters, users can calculate data set averages from hundreds of map points.

Map Drawing Tool

With map-drawing tools, users can add shapes and text to a map to make it more detailed. Map drawing helps users highlight important information to be remembered later on.

Similar to drawing on a physical map, map drawing is an excellent way to mark out points of interest manually quickly. Individual users can mark out points of interest like tourist destinations, and companies can circle untapped markets to target.

Users can also number marked locations to create a map key for easier use. Map drawing is particularly helpful for marking out different types of territory. Users can assign different shapes in varied colors to different types of territories. They can also label locations with text for convenience. For a foolproof map, users can mark points of interest with arrows.

Map drawing also enables users to leave notes within a map, which is a great way to communicate when working on a shared project.

Lasso Tool

Lasso tools are excellent for circling multiple points on a map in one fell swoop. Users draw a lasso around the desired area to create a new batch of data points. Lasso tools are ideal for quickly exporting data from a customized area to another file, and in helping import data relevant to one geographic region.

Businesses will find lasso tools particularly useful for editing data. With a lasso tool, specific locations or accounts can be lumped into one group where changes can be made in masse rather than individually. Users can edit column data for every location all at once. Lasso mapping is also useful for deleting entire sets of data in one go.

Lasso tools can also help with route optimization to each location within the lasso. Locations can be re-ordered or added and deleted to create a custom route. Ultimately, lasso tools exist to ease and speed up planning.