Skip to Main Content

Data Visualization

This guide introduces data visualization and highlights resources available at Pepperdine Libraries.

Choosing your visualization

Data Viz Project

Data Viz Project is an interactive library of visualization types and their use cases.

Data Visualization Catalogue

The Data Visualization Catalogue is an online library of different information visualisation types.

Charts, graphs, and plots

Tableau

Tableau Public is available to use on select desktop computers at Pepperdine Libraries. Locations include ACE, Payson Library, and the iLab at the Drescher Graduate Campus Library. Sign-in using your own Tableau Public account is required. 

Tableau Public is free but users are not able to make their data private and must save their visualizations to the web. To make data private, users have to upgrade to Tableau Desktop. Students and faculty can request a one-year renewable license for Tableau Desktop directly from Tableau.

Tableau Public Support - online support for using Tableau Public

Formatting for Tableau - Tableau works best with well-structured data. Get your data Tableau-ready with these online tips. 

See how you might visualize Market Share or Company Sales Data using Tableau.

RAWGraphs

RAWGraphs is an open-source data visualization tool. Learn how to make different types of visualizations using their online learning tutorials.

Voyant

Voyant is an online suite of tools that allows you to work with textual data. You can find a full list of the tools included in Voyant on their website. For help working with Voyant, you can use their online guides.

Datawrapper

Datawrapper is an online platform for creating charts and tables. You can visit their online tutorial hub for help with Datawrapper's tools. 

Chart Blocks

Chart Blocks is an online tool for visualizing your data.

Maps

Tableau

Tableau Public is available to use on select desktop computers at Pepperdine Libraries. Locations include ACE, Payson Library, and the iLab at the Drescher Graduate Campus Library. Sign-in using your own Tableau Public account is required. 

Tableau Public is free but users are not able to make their data private and must save their visualizations to the web. To make data private, users have to upgrade to Tableau Desktop. Students and faculty can request a one-year renewable license for Tableau Desktop directly from Tableau.

Tableau Public Support - online support for using Tableau Public.

Formatting for Tableau - Tableau works best with well-structured data. Get your data Tableau-ready with these online tips. 

Map with Tableau - online tutorial to help you get started with mapping.

Datawrapper

Datawrapper is an online platform for visualizing your data with maps. You can visit their online tutorial hub for help with Datawrapper's tools. 

QGIS

QGIS is a free-to-download open-source mapping tool. For help using the QGIS software, you can check out their online resource hub

Leaflet

Leaflet is an open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps. Learn how to use Leaflet with their online tutorials.

Infographics

Piktochart

Piktochart is an online tool for creating infographics. For help using Piktochart, check out their online learning resources.

Canva

Canva is an online graphic design platform you can use to create infographics. 

Easel.ly

Easel.ly is an online graphic design tool you can use to create infographics.

Drawings and graphics

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator, part of Adobe's Creative Commons, is available on select computers at Pepperdine Libraries. Locations include desktops in ACE, Payson Library and the iLab at Drescher Graduate Campus Library. 

Get started with Illustrator's online tutorials or learn how to make graphs in Illustrator.

D3

D3 is a free, open-source JavaScript library for visualizing data. Learn more and get started on their online learning page.

Inkscape

Inkscape is a free-to-download open-source vector graphics editor. For help using Inkscape, check out their online guide and tutorials.

The Noun Project

The Noun Project is a repository of icons uploaded by graphic designers for public use. Icons are available for free (requires attribution) or for a small fee (does not require attribution).

Data privacy

For all visualizations, keep in mind data privacy best practices when sharing/publishing on publicly accessible tools.