Concept Map #1: Data to Visualization

Due: Friday Jan 16 at 11:59pm via Canvas

Author

Dr. Marcela Alfaro Córdoba

What You’re Creating

A concept map showing how the key ideas from Weeks 1-2 connect together. Think of it like a subway map for data visualization concepts!

What’s a Concept Map?

A visual diagram with:

  • Boxes or circles = concepts (like “categorical data” or “color”)
  • Lines with arrows = connections between concepts
  • Labels on the lines = explain the relationship (like “uses” or “maps to”)

Example:

[Categorical Data] --"maps to"--> [Color] --"uses"--> [Qualitative Scale]

What to Include

Your map must connect these four topics:

1. Data Types

  • Quantitative (numbers: continuous/discrete)
  • Categorical (groups: nominal/ordinal)

2. Visual Encodings

  • Position (x, y)
  • Size
  • Color
  • Shape

3. Scales

  • Linear scales (evenly spaced)
  • Logarithmic scales (for big ranges)
  • Color scales (qualitative, sequential, diverging)

4. Coordinate Systems

  • Cartesian (regular x-y grid)
  • Polar (circles)
  • Map projections

How to Make It

Step 1: Write down all the concepts above

Step 2: Draw lines showing how they connect. Ask yourself: - What type of data uses what encoding? - What scales work with what encodings? - When do you use each coordinate system?

Step 3: Label each connection - Use phrases like: “is a type of,” “uses,” “requires,” “maps to,” “works for”

Step 4: Add 2-3 examples - Like: “Bar charts use position to show categorical data”

Format

  • Hand-drawn on standard paper (8.5” × 11”)
  • One page (use both sides only if absolutely needed)
  • Legible! You’ll need to scan/photo it
  • Use pen or dark pencil
  • Your name must be on it

Tips

✅ Do: - Show connections ACROSS categories (data → encoding → scale) - Use examples from class - Make it clear and organized - Focus on the most important relationships

❌ Don’t: - Just make a list - Cram every single word from class onto it - Make it so messy we can’t read it - Forget to label your connections

Grading

  • Completeness (40%): Has all four required topics
  • Connections (30%): Shows meaningful relationships with labeled links
  • Examples (15%): Includes relevant class examples
  • Clarity (15%): Organized and readable

Submission

  • Create a physical copy first
  • Upload scan/photo to Canvas by 11:59 PM on Friday Jan 16.
  • Make sure the scan is clear and readable!

Need Help?

  • Come to office hours with a draft
  • Post general questions on the discussion board
  • Review Wilke Chapters 1-4 for ideas

Remember: This isn’t about being perfect or artistic—it’s about showing you understand how these concepts work together!