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Building Data Visualization Tools

The data science revolution has produced reams of new data from a wide variety of new sources. These new datasets are being used to answer new questions in way never before conceived. Visualization remains one of the most powerful ways draw conclusions from data, but the influx of new data types requires the development of new visualization techniques and building blocks. This course provides you with the skills for creating those new visualization building blocks. We focus on the ggplot2 framework and describe how to use and extend the system to suit the specific needs of your organization or team. Upon completing this course, learners will be able to build the tools needed to visualize a wide variety of data types and will have the fundamentals needed to address new data types as they come about.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Building Data Visualization Tools

Before we get started, we'll take a quick overview of the course.

Plotting with ggplot2

Now, we'll dive into creating and customizing ggplot2 plots.

Mapping and interactive plots

Mapping is a critical part of many data visualizations. During this module, we'll teach you how to create simple and dynamic maps with ggplot2 and ggmap, how to overlay data, and how to create chloropleth maps of US counties.

The grid Package

The grid package in R implements the primitive graphical functions that underly the ggplot2 plotting system. In this module, you'll learn how to work with grid to build graphics.

Building New Graphical Elements

Building and modifying a theme in ggplot2 is a key feature of the ggplot2 package and system for building data graphics. In this final module, you'll learn to build a new theme and modifying existing themes with new features.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools for data visualization that are highly relevant to industry

Builds a strong foundation for beginners looking to get started in data visualization

Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners looking to develop their data visualization skills

Develops professional skills or deep expertise in data visualization

Covers unique perspectives and ideas that may add color to other data-related topics and subjects

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Reviews summary

Ggplot2 and data visualization tools

According to students, Ggplot2 and Data Visualization Tools is a good course for those interested in improving their data visualization skills. Learners say that the course's coding project is well-received, as is the course book

Materials are extensive.

"Excellent instruction"

"The reading material covers basic ggplot2"

"You will learn a thing or two about the ggproto classes"

Course is hands-on.

"It is a good course."

"It was not easy to understand my errors and fix them quickly."

"I have perfected the project i have submitted."

Course material needs updates.

"This course needs updates"

"It is a little bit outdated"

"This course was a massive struggle"

Peer grading system

"Got my submission peer-graded"

"One downside.. Peer review can be a blocking issue"

"Getting it reviewed seems pretty harsh"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Building Data Visualization Tools with these activities:

Review Plotting with ggplot2

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Improves fundamental understanding of plotting with ggplot2, building a stronger foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Ggplot2

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Go through the ggplot2 tutorial
Recreate the plots from the tutorial
Find a dataset and create a plot using ggplot2

Join a Study Group

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Fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, allowing students to learn from each other's experiences and perspectives.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Find a study group or create your own
Set regular meeting times
Discuss course concepts, share ideas, and work on projects together

Visualize Your Own Data

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Provides hands-on experience applying ggplot2 to real-world data, reinforcing concepts learned in the course.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Find a dataset of interest
Explore the data and identify key insights
Create a series of ggplot2 visualizations to communicate those insights

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Read 'ggplot2: Elegant Graphics for Data Analysis'

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Provides a comprehensive understanding of ggplot2's principles and techniques, deepening knowledge beyond the course.

View Advanced R, Second Edition (Chapman & Hall/CRC... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Apply what you've learned to your own data visualization projects

Explore ggplot2 Extensions

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Expands knowledge of ggplot2's capabilities by exploring extensions and packages that enhance its functionality.

Browse courses on Ggplot2

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Identify a specific data visualization challenge
Research and find an appropriate ggplot2 extension or package
Follow tutorials or documentation to learn how to use the extension or package

Create a Data Visualization Portfolio

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Provides a tangible showcase of data visualization skills and allows for reflection and improvement.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Collect a series of your best data visualizations
Create a portfolio website or document
Include descriptions and explanations for each visualization, highlighting your key insights and design choices

Participate in a Data Visualization Contest

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Provides a challenging and motivating environment to apply and showcase data visualization skills.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Find a data visualization contest that aligns with your interests
Gather and explore the data
Create a compelling data visualization that meets the contest requirements

Attend an Advanced ggplot2 Workshop

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Provides in-depth and expert guidance on advanced ggplot2 techniques, expanding knowledge and skills.

Browse courses on Ggplot2

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Find a reputable workshop that aligns with your learning goals
Attend the workshop and actively participate
Implement what you've learned in your own data visualization projects

Contribute to the ggplot2 Project

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Enhances problem-solving abilities and deepens understanding of ggplot2's inner workings by contributing to its development.

Browse courses on Ggplot2

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Familiarize yourself with the ggplot2 codebase
Identify an area where you can make a meaningful contribution
Propose and implement your changes through a pull request

Career center

Learners who complete Building Data Visualization Tools will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Visualization Engineer

Data Visualization Engineers design and develop data visualization systems and tools. The course Building Data Visualization Tools can help Data Visualization Engineers build a foundation in data visualization and enhance their ability to create scalable and efficient visualization solutions. The course covers techniques for creating and customizing plots, mapping data, and building interactive visualizations using the ggplot2 framework.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Engineer

Information Visualization Specialist

Information Visualization Specialists design and develop visualizations to communicate data and information clearly and effectively. The course Building Data Visualization Tools can help Information Visualization Specialists build a foundation in data visualization and enhance their ability to create visually appealing and informative visualizations. The course covers techniques for creating and customizing plots, mapping data, and building interactive visualizations using the ggplot2 framework.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Visualization Specialist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to solve problems and make informed decisions. The course Building Data Visualization Tools can help Data Analysts develop the skills needed to effectively visualize data and communicate insights to stakeholders. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts use data to identify trends, patterns, and insights to help businesses make informed decisions. The course Building Data Visualization Tools can help Business Intelligence Analysts develop the skills needed to effectively visualize data and communicate insights to stakeholders. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Market Researcher

Market Researchers use data to understand consumer behavior and market trends. The course Building Data Visualization Tools can help Market Researchers develop the skills needed to effectively visualize data and communicate insights to stakeholders. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use advanced statistical and computational techniques to extract insights from data. The course Building Data Visualization Tools can help Data Scientists build a foundation in data visualization and enhance their ability to communicate complex data insights to stakeholders. The course covers techniques for creating and customizing plots, mapping data, and building interactive visualizations using the ggplot2 framework.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Statistician

Statisticians apply mathematical and statistical techniques to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. The course Building Data Visualization Tools can help Statisticians build a foundation in data visualization and enhance their ability to communicate complex statistical concepts in a clear and visually appealing manner. The course covers techniques for creating and customizing plots, mapping data, and building interactive visualizations using the ggplot2 framework.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers focus on creating user-centered designs for websites, applications, and other digital products. The course Building Data Visualization Tools can help UX Designers develop the skills needed to effectively visualize data and communicate insights to users. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. The course Building Data Visualization Tools may be useful for Graphic Designers who are interested in creating data visualizations. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. The course Building Data Visualization Tools may be useful for Web Developers who are interested in adding data visualization to their websites or web applications. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build data pipelines and infrastructure. The course Building Data Visualization Tools may be useful for Data Engineers who are interested in using data visualization to monitor their data pipelines and infrastructure. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. The course Building Data Visualization Tools may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who are interested in using data visualization to evaluate their machine learning models. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data to identify and solve business problems. The course Building Data Visualization Tools may be useful for Business Analysts who are interested in using data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. The course Building Data Visualization Tools may be useful for Product Managers who are interested in using data visualization to inform their product decisions. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. The course Building Data Visualization Tools may be useful for Software Engineers who are interested in developing data visualization applications or integrating data visualization into their software products. The course provides hands-on experience with ggplot2, a powerful data visualization library for R, and covers techniques for creating a wide range of visualizations, including maps, interactive plots, and custom graphical elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Reading list

We've selected 29 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Building Data Visualization Tools.