Newspapers both print and online publications as well as news websites illustrate business trends using a variety of data visualization tools. Integral to the display is the fact that these charts or maps require to be easy to comprehend and visually arresting enough to hold the readers’ attention. Most publications show business data with a worldwide perspective. In this respect, the usage of flash maps in order to illustrate or just facts allows for easy comparison and analysis.
Take for example the phenomenon of recession. One of the first questions that any individual has regarding this economic downturn is how the markets over the world has been affected. If one is to illustrate this data through attractive and comprehensive visualization the easiest method is to plot all the data on a map. Mapping software allows us to superimpose charts on a map which is an effective way to illustrate the data keeping geographical concerns in mind. Another and perhaps the more effective way to do it is to choose color ranges to correspond to data ranges and then use pin points to mark each city or country or market as desired. A mouse over option can be included which allows one to get to the actual chart displaying in greater detail the market calisthenics. The chart can also include a link to homepage of the market being studied which will provide more information with regard to the money metrics.
This kind of mapping can also be used in a 2D map for print purposes. In this case too, color coded markers can effectively illustrate the trends over the world. A 2D map is also a great place to place columns corresponding to the trends in each zone. While the make an otherwise dry set of data greatly attractive, it also becomes easily comprehensible.
A layman is easily distracted and confused by a set of numbers run without sufficient classification by newspapers and magazines. With respect to this concern, anything from commodities traded in to flourishing markets and dips in stock indexes can be illustrated using a world map or even the map of a country as a background to plot numbers on. Further analysis of a map allows us to relate trends with economic policies and market characteristics. Yet another advantage in using maps like this is the ability to choose a time line for review varying from a year right up to 100 years. Each year or set of years can be conveniently color-coded making a map that is visually stunning and simple to comprehend.