Data visualization is the process of turning raw data—numbers, text, and statistics—into visual formats like charts, graphs, maps, and dashboards. It helps identify trends, patterns, and insights, making complex information easier to understand and act upon. It’s an essential tool for making data-driven decisions across industries.

A dashboard is a collection of interactive visuals displayed on a single screen that allows users to analyze and interact with their data. Users can explore the data by drilling down, filtering, or highlighting specific details, making it a dynamic tool for decision-making.

Dashboards can integrate with nearly any kind of data, including spreadsheets, text files, PDFs, cloud-based data sources (like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive), databases (e.g., SQL), and analytics platforms. This flexibility makes dashboards a powerful tool for analyzing diverse datasets.