Visualization

Overview

Visualization is about turning data and information into insights and knowledge using visual representations such as maps, charts, diagrams, and other infographics, also known as dashboards. This process involves a combination of skills including communications, technology, data analysis and graphic design. Data visualization is used to create products such as snapshots, interactive dashboards, and maps. Advanced GIS skills are also helpful although not always necessary.

Choosing the right software

Different software is required for creating static and interactive visualizations. On both sides, there are several licensed and open-source options to choose from.

The three basic tools for creating static visualizations are:

• Excel (licensed, comes with Office 365) or an open-source alternative such as Google Sheets, LibreOffice or OpenOffice for creating charts, tables and simple maps.

• ESRI ArcGIS Pro (licensed) or QGIS (open-source) for creating simple and sophisticated maps.

• Adobe Illustrator (licensed) or Inkscape (open-source) for compiling the visuals and giving a neat finishing touch to the product.

The two basic tools for creating interactive visualizations include:

• Power BI (licensed, comes with Office 365) for creating the visuals. There are also many alternative tools such as Tableau (comes with free and paid versions) and ArcGIS Dashboards (licensed) but these are less commonly used at OCHA.

• Excel (licensed, comes with Office 365) or an open-source alternative such as Google Sheets, LibreOffice or OpenOffice for the data management and manipulation.

More information about the software license request and the subsequent procurement process is available here.

Outputs

Static:

• Mozambique, Cyclone Idai: Response Organizations by District (as of 2 April 2019)

• Ethiopia: Northern Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan Snapshot (December 2020)

Interactive:

• Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Civil Society Response 3W (February 2020)

Useful resources

Design Fundamentals , October 2016

Guidance

• Policy

  • OCHA Policy Instruction on Branding and Visual Identity - 26 July 2021 - This policy covers physical (e.g. reports, maps, etc.) and digital content/services (e.g. websites).

• Templates and logos

  • OCHA Graphics Stylebook - Visual Identity, the latest version

  • Graphic inspiration from OCHA Visual department (check out OCHA Visual Team's Pinterest account and get ideas for visualization)

  • Templates: Assets include Logos, Fonts, Humanitarian Icons, Libraries, and OCHA core graphics. Templates include Infographic/Map (AI), Reports (InDesign), PowerBI, ArcGIS, PowerPoint, Word, Business cards.

• Graphics

  • OCHA logo

• Humanitarian icons

  • 20 collections

  • PowerPoint