QGIS is a free, open source GIS application that works on most major operating systems. It's a great starting point for journalists who want to explore data with maps. This tutorial will guide you through the basics and give you the tools to make quick interactive data maps that work on every platform.
READkdmc data visualization tutorials
KDMC produces a wealth of digital media tutorials to support our training sessions and classes. While the focus of some tutorials is on technology and journalism, most are general enough to be of use to anyone.
Hover for tutorial descriptions, or see all tutorial categories-
Data Visualization Visual Representations of Data
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QGIS basics for Journalists Explore data with GIS maps
Description
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Spreadsheets Manage and manipulate data with ease
Description
This tutorial covers the basics of creating and doing calculations with a spreadsheet. It is based on using Google Docs spreadsheets, with notes on some differences with Excel spreadsheets.
READ - FreeDive tips and tricks Get the most out of freeDive searchable databases.
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Protovis Templates Interactive JavaScript charts in minutes
Description
Our customizable templates will help you produce interactive JavaScript charts in minutes.
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Protovis Part 4: External data and animated labels Learn to load data from an external file
Description
Learn to how to load data into your Protovis charts from an external file and learn new tricks to animate bars and labels simultaneously.
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Protovis Part 5: Swap external data Swap external data files and improve animation
Description
Learn to how to swap external data files and some techniques to improve animate with small objects like lines.
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Protovis JavaScript Charts: Part 1 Document setup and basic charts
Description
The Protovis JavaScript Library takes care of the difficult programming so you spend less time writing code and more time visualizing data. This tutorial is designed for beginners with little or no JavaScript experience.
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Intro to cleaning data The basics, key functions and workflow
Description
Understanding how to clean data is an important skill every reporter needs. Learn how spreadsheets work, basic data-cleaning workflow and how to use formulas and functions.
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Databases of Statistical Information Links to public data
Description
This is a directory of online databases of demographic and other statistical information that are publicly available on the web. The directory is organized topically, and includes database with national, state and local information, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Protovis compatibility in Internet Explorer Fix compatibility with Internet Explorer
Description
Protovis is a terrific tool that works well in modern browsers. But it does have some compatibility problems with Internet Explorer 6-8. We'll look at some methods to make your Protovis graphics work in every browser type. READ -
Build an Interactive Census Map Create an interactive map easily and for free
Description
Step-by-step guide to using geocommons.com to make a an interactive census map. Created by Len De Groot for the Knight Digital Media Center.
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Protovis Part 3: Variables and animation Use variables and basic animation
Description
Variables allow you to make easy-to-update data visualization templates that you can post in minutes. Plus learn simple animation.
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Use Google Refine to Export JSON Design and output multi-dimensional data files
Description
Google refine is great at cleaning large sets of data. But one amazing under-documented feature is the ability to design and output JSON files. With Google Refine, you can turn a simple spreadsheet into a straight forward JSON datasets or multidimensional arrays quickly and easily.
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Data Visualization: Basics Create embeddable interactive graphics
Description
Interactive graphics give your content context and impact. Learn how to use Google Gadgets to create charts that you can embed in your site. Google Gadgets are free.
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Protovis Part 2: Lines and Labels Add lines and labels to your charts
Description
Tick marks and labels make charts easier to comprehend. Here's how to add them to Protovis JavaScript charts.
READ
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QGIS basics for Journalists Explore data with GIS maps
Spreadsheets
This tutorial covers the basics of creating and doing calculations with a spreadsheet. It is based on using Google Docs spreadsheets, with notes on some differences with Excel spreadsheets.
Protovis Part 4: External data and animated labels
Learn to how to load data into your Protovis charts from an external file and learn new tricks to animate bars and labels simultaneously.
QGIS basics for Journalists
QGIS is a free, open source GIS application that works on most major operating systems. It's a great starting point for journalists who want to explore data with maps. This tutorial will guide you through the basics and give you the tools to make quick interactive data maps that work on every platform.
Data Visualization: Basics
Interactive graphics give your content context and impact. Learn how to use Google Gadgets to create charts that you can embed in your site. Google Gadgets are free.
Build an Interactive Census Map
Step-by-step guide to using geocommons.com to make a an interactive census map. Created by Len De Groot for the Knight Digital Media Center.
Databases of Statistical Information
This is a directory of online databases of demographic and other statistical information that are publicly available on the web. The directory is organized topically, and includes database with national, state and local information, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Protovis Part 5: Swap external data
Learn to how to swap external data files and some techniques to improve animate with small objects like lines.
Protovis Part 3: Variables and animation
Variables allow you to make easy-to-update data visualization templates that you can post in minutes. Plus learn simple animation.
Protovis JavaScript Charts: Part 1
The Protovis JavaScript Library takes care of the difficult programming so you spend less time writing code and more time visualizing data. This tutorial is designed for beginners with little or no JavaScript experience.
Protovis compatibility in Internet Explorer
Protovis is a terrific tool that works well in modern browsers. But it does have some compatibility problems with Internet Explorer 6-8. We'll look at some methods to make your Protovis graphics work in every browser type.Use Google Refine to Export JSON
Google refine is great at cleaning large sets of data. But one amazing under-documented feature is the ability to design and output JSON files. With Google Refine, you can turn a simple spreadsheet into a straight forward JSON datasets or multidimensional arrays quickly and easily.
Protovis Templates
Our customizable templates will help you produce interactive JavaScript charts in minutes.
Intro to cleaning data
Understanding how to clean data is an important skill every reporter needs. Learn how spreadsheets work, basic data-cleaning workflow and how to use formulas and functions.
FreeDive tips and tricks
Get the most out of freeDive searchable databases.
Protovis Part 2: Lines and Labels
Tick marks and labels make charts easier to comprehend. Here's how to add them to Protovis JavaScript charts.
Data Visualization Links and Resources
Additional reading, related software, training and more.
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