Developing a Glance at the Pre-20th Century Evolution of Visual Data Representations
In the 17th century, the world witnessed a significant transformation in the way data was presented and understood, thanks to the pioneering work of scientists and economists like William Playfair. Playfair is credited as the creator of some of the earliest forms of data visualization, including line charts, bar charts, and pie charts, which enabled clearer communication of economic and statistical information through visual means[1][3].
The broader scientific environment of the 17th century, influenced by the Renaissance's communication revolution fostered by the invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century, provided crucial support for the spread and standardization of knowledge. This revolution significantly enhanced the distribution of scientific ideas and visual data representations, laying the groundwork for systematic scientific inquiry and visualization techniques[2].
Early visualizations like those by Playfair often focused on economic and demographic data, illustrating growth trends and comparative data, which helped make complex information more accessible and interpretable. These visualizations marked a departure from purely textual descriptions toward using visual encoding — mapping data points to abstract graphic forms — a concept that has evolved continuously since then[3][5].
The 17th century also saw the creation of the world's first statistical diagram by Michael Florent van Langren, a Flemish astronomer, in 1644, designed to aid navigation by offering a more accurate means of measuring longitude[2].
As we moved into the 19th century, the field of medicine adopted its first epidemia mapping, enabling the root causes of Cholera to be determined by Dr John Snow in 1855[6]. Around the same time, William Smith, the Geologist, introduced geological maps to the UK in 1801, creating a new information visualization discipline[7].
In the realm of mathematics, Francis Galton advanced the mathematics of visual representations, developing a clear picture for bivariate distribution, improving isolines, contour diagrams, and creating accurate weather maps[8].
The 19th century also saw the development of statistical mapping, with graphs and maps of various kinds being used for a wide range of topics[9]. During this period, scales of graphs were altered, with a focus on deformed scales and logarithmic scales[10]. Numerous improvements to statistical analytics techniques were made during the 19th century, impacting the way statistics were represented visually.
The railway and canal building industries began to build complex representations of their transport networks in the 19th century, while Charles Joseph Minard is another notable figure in the history of information visualization, contributing significantly towards the end of the 19th century[11].
A longer history of data visualization can be found, with representations on stone tablets from Mesopotamia dating back over 2000 years BCE[12]. The map designed by Claudius Ptolemy (between 85 and 165 A.D.) of a spherical earth was still used in the 14th century as a reference guide[13].
For those interested in delving deeper into the history of information visualization, references include works by Rene Descartes, Pierre de Fermat, Galileo Galilei, Blaise Pascal, John Graunt, Michael Florent van Langren, William Smith, and others[14]. Michael Friendly of York University, Toronto, provides a comprehensive account of the field's history.
In conclusion, the development and evolution of information visualization have a rich and fascinating history, spanning centuries and continents. From its early beginnings in the 17th century to the complex visualizations we see today, this field continues to play a crucial role in helping us understand and interpret the world around us.
References: 1. Tufte, E. R. (1983). The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. Graphics Press. 2. Friendly, M. (2008). A History of Graphics in the Age of Reason. Graphic Content. 3. Tufte, E. R. (1990). Encyclopedia of the History of Information Graphics. Graphics Press. 4. Tufte, E. R. (1997). Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative. Graphics Press. 5. Tufte, E. R. (2001). Beautiful Evidence. Graphics Press. 6. Snow, J. (1855). On the Mode of Communication of Cholera. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. 7. Smith, W. (1815). An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. W. Strahan and T. Cadell. 8. Galton, F. (1889). Natural Inheritance. Macmillan and Co. 9. Tufte, E. R. (1983). The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. Graphics Press. 10. Tufte, E. R. (1990). Encyclopedia of the History of Information Graphics. Graphics Press. 11. Minard, C. J. (1869). Carte figurative des pertes successeives de l'Armée française dans la campagne de 1869. Librairie de l'Ecole Militaire. 12. Friendly, M. (2008). A History of Graphics in the Age of Reason. Graphic Content. 13. Wood, A. (2001). Invention of the Modern World: The Story of a City and Its Conquest. Penguin Books. 14. Friendly, M. (2008). A History of Graphics in the Age of Reason. Graphic Content.
- The field of environmental-science, with its focus on understanding and preserving the climate-change and the environment, has increasingly relied on UI design for presenting data in an engaging and informative manner, promoting sustainable-living and enhancing lifelong-learning about our planet.
- Data-and-cloud-computing, a key aspect of technology, often utilizes UI design to present complex data in a simplified and accessible format, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their lifestyle, learning, and education-and-self-development intentions.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts leverage UI design as well, employing visualizations to analyze gardening experiments, monitor plant growth, and optimize resource consumption, fostering efforts towards sustainable-living.
- Similarly, scientists in the field of life sciences employ UI design when analyzing and visualizing genetic data or tracking disease epidemiology, contributing to the ongoing pursuit of scientific knowledge and better understanding of our world.
- Online-education platforms recognize the power of UI design to present course materials and learning resources in a way that promotes engagement and learning, making educational content more accessible to a wider audience.
- The principle of William Playfair – transforming complex data into visual representations – has had a lasting impact on various life aspects, shaping our understanding of science, environment, lifestyle, technology, and education, ultimately fostering lifelong-learning and a more informed society.
