The History of Data Visualization

Sep 13, 2013

History of Data Visualization ImageData visualization has come a long way. From simple cave drawings depicting the success of a hunt to the intricate dashboards we have today connecting to millions of rows of data. It’s always good to know where you came from in order to better understand where you are now and where you are going. Michael Friendly from York University published a paper on the milestones in the history of Data Visualization, Milestones in the History of Data Visualization: A Case Study in Statistical Historiography. The paper provides an excellent breakdown of major points that have lead us to modern day data visualization.

Prior to the 17th century, data visualization existed mainly in the realm of maps, displaying land markers, cities, roads, and resources. As the demand grew for more accurate mapping and physical measurement, better visualizations were needed.

Image  Courtesy of: Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Source: Dashboard Insight