When looking at the concept of data visualization and all of the modern techniques we use to display and organize data, an important question to ask is how did we get to this point? \u00a0When did we start recording and processing data, and how did we go about it? \u00a0What methods were used in ancient times that led to how we display information today? \u00a0To answer this question, it is important to go back into ancient history and find the first instances of data visualization. \u00a0Milestones that range from the first known map to the first numerical system are crucial to understanding what data visualization has become. \u00a0Since this is a matter of history, the best way to display such information is on a timeline.<\/p>\n
The timeline itself was constructed using\u00a0the\u00a0Timeline<\/a>\u00a0website in conjunction with Google Sheets. \u00a0The main source of research for the timeline came from a website showcasing the major milestones of data visualization<\/a>\u00a0in history. \u00a0The theme of this timeline would be the earliest instances of data visualization in ancient times, with the year 1600 being the cutoff date.<\/p>\n [iframe src=’https:\/\/cdn.knightlab.com\/libs\/timeline3\/latest\/embed\/index.html?source=1eRNKhEIKxshe153Hhk0D5hf4vwjxIizRKaZ03twYnAc&font=Default&lang=en&initial_zoom=2&height=650′ width=’100%’ height=’650′ webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen frameborder=’0′]<\/p>\n The milestones website provided most of the datasets for the visualization, including the first maps, the invention of paper, the first graph, the first star chart, the invention of moveable type, and first use of the Camera Obscura. \u00a0However, while conducting research for the project, one item was suspiciously missing from the milestone website. \u00a0That item was the first instance of a counting system. \u00a0With this in mind, research was expanded to other websites. \u00a0Unfortunately, an exact date for the first known counting system was not readily available. \u00a0The best answer to be retrieved was 30,000 to 20,000 years ago, without any citation of when the article in question was written. \u00a0Because of this, the first counting system could not fit into the timeline format. \u00a0However, more precise dates were provided for the first numerical conversion system, which was another significant milestone in data visualization that the milestones website neglected to mention. \u00a0These systems were said to have begun in ancient Babylonia back in 2700 BCE. \u00a0This particular system was added to the timeline.<\/p>\n A limited amount of unique\u00a0topics to discuss was another issue that emerged while constructing the timeline. \u00a0While the milestone website contains many instances in history before the year 1600, most of these instances pertain to geographical mapmaking. \u00a0This in and of itself was not an issue, as according to the milestone website, maps were the earliest forms of data visualization. \u00a0However, if maps were the only instance of early data visualization being discussed, the timeline would fail to achieve its intended purpose. \u00a0Thus, it was decided that a maximum of\u00a0three different types of maps would be used in\u00a0the timeline. \u00a0Each of these maps were the earliest examples available, including the very first instance of data visualization dating back to 6200 BCE.<\/p>\n The media used in each point of the timeline depended on what information was available for each milestone. \u00a0Most of the milestones only had pictures accompanied by text, which was cited when necessary. \u00a0Simplicity and minimalistic design were the main goals in the timeline’s construction. \u00a0Excessive background colors and other forms of visual variation were thought to be a distraction for the end user and detract from the content presented. \u00a0Thus, everything was kept on a minimalistic white background with only the visuals of the pictures deviating from the color scheme. \u00a0This in turn made the images and other forms of embedded media\u00a0stand out more, providing a clearer picture for the end user of what visualization looked like right at the very beginning. \u00a0Wikipedia articles and YouTube videos were used sparingly\u00a0in order to keep the design interesting and compelling to the end user.<\/p>\n Researching these early form of information visualization has been an eye-opening experience. \u00a0For instance, some may not be aware of the fact that the Camera Obscura actually dated as far back as 1545. \u00a0And while the earliest counting system did not make it into the final draft of the timeline, the systems themselves were intriguing to read about. \u00a0It is particularly curious that\u00a0the milestone website didn’t list any primitive counting systems at all, as numbers in general do play a significant role in data visualization. \u00a0Nevertheless, creative thinking allowed for the discovery of historic moments in data visualization that the milestone website did not mention. \u00a0This in turn proved to be an enriching experience that enhanced the final product.<\/p>\n Moving forward, there are many more instances of early visualization history that have not been covered by this timeline. \u00a0And much like with the counting system, perhaps there are still other milestones that the milestone website has failed to account for. \u00a0If work on this timeline were to continue, more research into the early history of information visualization would be required. \u00a0This additional research would theoretically provide more examples of early data visualization beyond mapmaking. \u00a0Nothing would change for the design of the timeline itself, as any additional concept would interfere with the minimalistic design that was initially intended. \u00a0However, more liberal use of media outside of mere pictures and Wikipedia articles might be appreciated by the end user.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When looking at the concept of data visualization and all of the modern techniques we use to display and organize data, an important question to ask is how did we get to this point? \u00a0When did we start recording and processing data, and how did we go about it? \u00a0What methods were used in 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