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Data Visualization

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Encyclopedia of Geoarchaeology

Part of the book series: Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series ((EESS))

  • 408 Accesses

Synonyms

Graphic design; Information graphics (infographics)

Definition

Data visualization. Pictorial representations that are derived from qualitative or quantitative raw data to infer process or patterns in phenomena. Data visualization is closely linked to informatics, the collection, indexing, storage, retrieval, analysis, synthesis, and dissemination of data (He, 2003) and graphic design, which is the study of the technology, implementation, and social impact on human visual communication (Frascara, 1988).

Introduction

Multimedia learning theory posits that the human brain creates dynamic associations between words, pictures, and auditory information to maximize learning capability (Mayer, 2001). Sociological studies of scientific practices have also showed that visualizations are a key part of the discovery process and the transmission of information among individuals (Lynch and Woolgar, 1990; Dibiase et al., 1992; Suárez, 2010; Allamel-Raffin, 2011; Gelfert, 2011). While words...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Coor Hall, 5534, Tempe, AZ, 85287-2402, USA

    Erich C. Fisher

  2. Institute of Human Origins, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, 874101, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4101, USA

    Curtis W. Marean

  3. Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa

    Curtis W. Marean

Authors
  1. Erich C. Fisher
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  2. Curtis W. Marean
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Erich C. Fisher .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA

    Allan S. Gilbert

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Fisher Marean

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Fisher, E.C., Marean, C.W. (2017). Data Visualization. In: Gilbert, A.S. (eds) Encyclopedia of Geoarchaeology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4409-0_56

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