Infographic using Power BI

With more demand and acceptance of data visualization, we have to deal with different kind of audiences. Some of those are not having analytical minds and simply grab information through graphics and cosmetics. There is also a need of awareness for masses for which statistical analysis and graphs are sometimes too much for general audience. In this scenario Inforgraphic is the best candidate to address these concerns.

I have experimented a report baased on open data of the government entity DEWA of Dubai. The result was amazing and really provide a simple information about operations and customers’ segmentation.

Report can be viewed through following link

Click here to view

Dubai – Importance of Open Data

Living in Dubai for almost a decade I realized that the forward looking and innovative approach has always created opportunities and made Dubai ahead of its competitors. The initiative of Smart City, Data Strategy, Artificial Intelligence and 3D printing are few important areas where Dubai is far ahead and having proper road map in place.

Since I moved towards data focused learning and personal grooming in terms of data visualization and reporting, I found Dubai a place where you have every opportunity to realize your dream of being known and appreciated in your field if your are doing exceptional work.

First I evaluated data available on Dubai Statistics Department’s site which was in much organized manner and was ready to be used for impressive visualizations. I created report based on RTA’s data couple of years back which provide great insight to the operations of RTA in terms of Metro, Taxis and Water Transports.

Click Here to View Report in action

When I read Dubai’s Data Strategy and Its road map to enable Dubai Government’s entities share and collaborate data, I started thinking of using this data in best possible ways. Smart Dubai is working on different initiatives among those Dubai Pulse stand out as it provides repository of open datasets which can be of great use if utilized properly. Since open data is available on As-Is basis you cannot expect it to be in perfect form, however information hidden in these files need to be cleverly extracted.

The important part is designing meaningful report with simple story to tell which can grab attention and explain its purpose without the help or assistance. For this I selected number of entities to work on their data. Following are couple of examples for the same.

Following are few examples of reports created using open data of Dubai Pulse. Reports are fairly simple in terms of understanding information hidden inside open data.

Dubai Customs

Click here to view report in action

 

Dubai Health Authority

Click here to see report in action

 

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing – Dubai

Click here to see report in action

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority – DEWA

Click here to see report in action

I am presently working on other reports which may be updated soon.

Keep following this post for more examples.

Impact of External Dimensions on Analysis Reports

Photo by Kyle Popineau on Unsplash

In most of the cases we are very much focused on the data we own. In case of large enterprises, we get access to different entities and sections but still the same is considered internal data.  This gives you mostly a tunnel view by restricting your analysis and ability to find answers for bigger problems.

During my career I have noticed that getting access to external data can hugely impact your findings and enhance your analysis to the next level. Following are few examples of external data.

 

• Supply Chain Data

Most of the organizations are depending on critical supply chain for their production units. For example, a food manufacturing company is dependent on ingredients supplied by different suppliers to produce different products. If you are depending on internal data only you might spot dip in production of certain products which can only inform you about low production on certain dates. Even if you add procurement data, you can only spot low purchases resulting in slim production. However, if you get access to your partner data or productions or crops then you can find exact answer regarding reason of low production. This is also true for cases when you have access to government statistics regarding commodities.  United Nations and World Bank also gather valuable data which can be used to add a different dimension to your analysis. Following links are worth consideration. Adding such data sources to your model can help you in broader analysis.

http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data

https://data.worldbank.org/indicator

 

• Weather and Environment Data

Using weather and environment related data can be helpful in your reports to find certain answers which are usually not possible with internal data only. For example, if you are creating a report of your farming and related outputs then having weather data can be of great value. This is also good when you are forecasting future outputs. If you have a damaged crop this year then heavy rains or harsh weather conditions can be one of the reasons. Incorporating this data with your internal report can help you identify which crop can sustain tough weather conditions and help you in making proper contingency plan to protect your crops.

 

Interestingly, weather related data can also help you in finding reasons of rising accidents in certain dates. This may be due to low visibility, heavy rain or high temperature in different days and months or even timeslots. For example an unexpected heavy shower for an hour can cause long traffic jams and spike in accidents. However, without having such data you may able to know when you experienced more accidents but you will not be able to find a reason for that.

Furthermore, if a hospital is experiencing more number of asthma patients in certain months, having weather and environment data can give you exact reason for this traffic. This will help that hospital plan in better way for future to handle increased number of patients in similar weather condition.

 

World Bank provide Historic and Projection Data which can be of great help when doing weather related analysis.

https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/download-data