Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
It is common to think of statistical graphics and data visualization as relatively mod-
ern developments in statistics. In fact, the graphic representation of quantitative in-
formationhasdeeproots.heserootsreachintothehistoriesoftheearliestmapmak-
ing and visual depiction, and later into thematic cartography, statistics and statistical
graphics, medicine and other fields. Along the way, developments in technologies
(printing, reproduction), mathematical theory and practice, and empirical observa-
tion and recording enabled the wider use of graphics and new advances in form and
content.
his chapter provides an overview of the intellectual history of data visualiza-
tion frommedieval tomoderntimes, describing andillustrating somesignificant ad-
vances along the way. It is based on a project, called the Milestones Project, to collect,
catalogue anddocument in one place the important developments in awide range of
areas and fields that led to modern data visualization. his effort has suggested some
questions concerning the use of present-day methods of analysing and understand-
ing this history, which I discuss under the rubric of 'statistical historiography.'
Introduction
1.1
he only new thing in the world is the history you don't know.
-HarrySTruman
It is common to think of statistical graphics and data visualization as relatively mod-
ern developments in statistics. In fact, the graphic portrayal of quantitative informa-
tion has deep roots. hese roots reach into the histories of the earliest map-making
and visual depiction, and later into thematic cartography, statistics and statistical
graphics, with applications and innovations in many fields of medicine and science
whichare otenintertwined with eachother. heyalso connect with the riseofstatis-
ticalthinkingandwidespreaddatacollectionforplanningandcommerceupthrough
the
th century. Along the way, a variety of advancements contributed to the wide-
spread use of data visualization today. hese include technologies for drawing and
reproducing images, advances in mathematics and statistics, and new developments
in data collection, empirical observation and recording.
From above ground, we can see the current fruit and anticipate future growth; we
must look below to understand their germination. Yet the great variety of roots and
nutrients across these domains, which gave rise to the many branches we see today,
are oten not well known and have never been assembled in a single garden to be
studied or admired.
his chapter provides an overview of the intellectual history of data visualiza-
tion from medieval to modern times, describing and illustrating some significant
advances along the way. It is based on what I call the Milestones Project, an attempt
to provide a broadly comprehensive and representative catalogue of important de-
velopments in all fields related to the history of data visualization.
