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Data Visualization: Software

Simple Tools

Intermediate Tools

More about Tableau

Tableau has two main softwares that can be used for interactive data visualization and analysis. There are some key differences, but both can be used to create and share data visualizations.

Tableau Public

  • Free!
  • Your data and visualizations can be viewed by anyone.
    • Do not use with data that has private information.
  • Connects to limited data sources.

Tableau Desktop

  • Fee-based; however, if you are a student or a teacher, you can obtain a free one-year license. 
  • Only people you share your visualizations with can see your data and visualizations.
    • Can use data with private information since files can be saved locally. 
  • Connects to a wide variety of data sources.

Tools that Require Programming Knowledge

Geographic Visualizations