In the data visualization process, which stage involves identifying suitable data sources and gathering information?

In the data visualization process, which stage involves identifying suitable data sources and gathering information?

• A. Exploration
• B. Analysis
• C. Synthesis
• D. Presentation

Answer: (A)

Exploration is about discovering what data exists, where to get it, and what needs to be collected to address the question at hand. This preparatory work—the search for suitable data sources and gathering the information you’ll need—lays the foundation for all subsequent steps in creating a visualization. Once you have the data, you move to analysis, where you clean and examine it to extract insights; synthesis, where you combine findings into a coherent story or design; and presentation, where you communicate the results.

Exploration is about discovering what data exists, where to get it, and what needs to be collected to address the question at hand. This preparatory work—the search for suitable data sources and gathering the information you’ll need—lays the foundation for all subsequent steps in creating a visualization. Once you have the data, you move to analysis, where you clean and examine it to extract insights; synthesis, where you combine findings into a coherent story or design; and presentation, where you communicate the results.