Another basic form of visualizing data is using a line chart. Line charts require time data
in consistent intervals. Fig. 18.1.11 shows an example of a multiple line chart where there
are multiple categories plotted over time. The variable being plotted is customer
sentiment for three different companies. This type of chart is not good for a static
visualization, such as a PowerPoint presentation as it can be too cluttered. However,
using a visualization tool such as Qlik Sense, the audience can interact and select a
custom time range that will allow the user to drill down to see more details. This chart
combined with others in an interactive visualization can be very powerful for exploring
the data to tell a story.

Fig. 18.1.11 Line chart showing multiple categories.

Bubble chart

Another type of chart to compare different variables is a bubble chart or scatterplot. A
bubble chart is a good visualization to show in a 3-D format, but it is more complicated
and requires more skill to create. Different colors or bubble sizes can be used to show a
lot of information in a single chart. A bubble chart looks at data in a snapshot of time.
However, by plotting different snapshots of data over different periods of time, this chart
can become animated to show changes through data in an interesting form.

Step 4: Distribute

A data visualization is a way to tell a story through a graphic representation of the data
and a way to share the story among both technical and nontechnical people. The last step
when the visualization is complete is to distribute the visualization. There are many ways

Chapter 18.1: An Introduction to Data Visualizations