Data Visualization Librarian
Glenn Bunton
Contact:
University of South Carolina Libraries
1322 Greene Street
Thomas Cooper Library - L2.341
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Make an Appointment
1322 Greene Street
Thomas Cooper Library - L2.341
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Make an Appointment
803-777-2903
Stay Aware
Stay aware of services and resources provided by the Digital Research Services (DRS) unit of the University Libraries.
Welcome to the University Libraries DataLab
The DataLab is located on the 5th floor of Thomas Cooper Library near the front staircase. This space and technology supports data visualization and analysis activities related to University research projects. Services and resources are provided by the Digital Research Services (DRS) unit of the University Libraries.
Use Policies
- Available for currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff.
- Priority to research projects involving data/spatial analysis and data/spatial visualization.
- No food or drink in the DataLab space.
- No viewing of pornographic or other improper content.
- No unattended children allowed
- Data Visualization ServicesThis guide describes services and resources provided by the University Libraries that support data visualization activities.
Available Hardware
The following technology hardware is available for use in the DataLab:
- An 82" Samsung television functioning as a large-screen monitor for a Windows computer with wireless keyboard and mouse.
- HDMI and DisplayPort connectors are available in the collaborative table to use the large-screen monitor with individual-owned Windows laptops.
- 3 high-powered Windows computers
Available Specialized Software
A variety of software related to data/spatial analysis and data/spatial visualization is installed on the computers in the DataLab.
Data Visualization Programs
- Tableau PublicFree version (with some limitations) of Tableau data visualization program. Create account and proceed.
- Microsoft Power BIFree as part of the University's Office365 license. Use your campus credentials to sign in.
- DatawrapperDatawrapper is a free, web-based data visualization tool.
- Google Data Studio/Looker StudioLooker Studio (formerly known as Google’s Data Studio) is a free, web-based data visualization tool that can load data from multiple sources and enable creation of informative, interactive dashboards that are easy to interpret, share, and customize.
Programming Languages
- Data Visualization with PythonPython has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world. As it relates to data visualization, there are several Python libraries available for creating graphic representations of data.
- Data Visualization with RR is a programming language and environment commonly used for statistical computing and graphic data visualization.
Programming Environments
- Jupyter Notebook - official documentationJupyter Notebook is a free, open-source web platform allowing users to share code, equations, plots, and descriptive narrative text. Various programming languages are supported such as Python, R, C++, Java, and Matlab. Jupyter Notebooks are popular in data intensive fields and encourage open science and reproducibility.
- Google ColabGoogle Colab is a web-based interactive coding environment using the Juptyer Notebook structure.
- R StudioRStudio is a R programming environment application
Spatial Analysis/Visualization
- ArcGISArcGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) for working with maps and geographic information. It is used for: creating and using maps; compiling geographic data; analyzing mapped information; sharing and discovering geographic information; using maps and geographic information in a range of applications; and managing geographic information in a database.
- QGISQGIS is free, full-fledged,open-source desktop GIS software. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It reads and writes nearly all geospatial data formats, enables dynamic cartography, and provides a robust set of processing and analytical tools. Additional functionality is provided by over 300 plugins, which can be installed with just a few clicks.
Statistical Analysis Programs
- NvivoNVivo is software that supports qualitative and mixed methods analysis of textual and audiovisual data sources. You can use it to organize and code multiple data sources in one project file, assign attributes to data and compare them, interpret, query, and visualize data.
- SASSAS is a command-driven statistical software suite widely used for statistical data analysis and visualization.
- SPSSSPSS is a data management and analysis software package, maintained by IBM. It may look like a spreadsheet and it can perform many similar functions. Unlike most spreadsheets, SPSS provides easy access to a wide variety of statistical tests and graphics and supports much larger datasets. It is commonly used in education, psychology, and sociology areas.
- StataStata is a popular general purpose statistical program for data management, graphing, and statistical analyses. Stata works on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. It is a powerful tool well suited for large datasets and detailed analysis. Areas Stata can be used include data management, statistical analysis, graphics, simulations, regression, and custom programming (including network analysis)
Additional computers (not provided by the University Libraries) with ArcGIS, Nvivo, R, SASS, SPSS, and Stata software are available at the Gambrell Computing Center located at 817 Henderson Street, Columbia, SC 29208.