Data Visualization Front-End Technology Selection

What is data visualization
Data visualization studies how to transform data into interactive graphics or images, express them in a visually perceptible way, enhance human cognitive ability, and achieve the purpose of discovery, interpretation, analysis, exploration, decision-making and learning. "Data Visualization and Infographics are two similar professional terms. Data visualization in a narrow sense refers to the presentation of data in statistical charts, while information visualization is to visualize non-digital information. The former is used to convey information, and the latter is used to express abstract or complex concepts, technologies and information. In a broad sense, data visualization is a collective term for multiple fields such as data visualization, information visualization, and scientific visualization."-"Data "The Beauty of Visualization" broad data visualization involves information technology, natural science, statistical analysis, graphics, interaction, geographic information and other disciplines. "Scientific Visualization, Information Visualization, and Visual Analytics are usually regarded as the three main branches of visualization. These three branches are integrated to form new disciplines." Data "Visualization" is a new starting point in the field of visualization research."-"Data Visualization"

The front-end data visualization solution is as follows:
Low-level engine
Skia
Skia is the underlying 2D drawing engine of Chrome and Android. For details, please refer to Baidu Encyclopedia. Skia uses C++ programming. Because it is located at the bottom of the browser, we usually have less contact

Students interested in low-level drawing can start with this case and learn about C++ visual programming.



OpenGL
OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a 2D and 3D graphics rendering library, which can draw from simple 2D graphics to complex 3D scenes. OpenGL is commonly used in many fields such as CAD, VR, data visualization, and games.

Chrome
Chrome uses Skia as a drawing engine, and opens up canvas, svg, WebGL, HTML and other drawing capabilities to the upper level.

Technical characteristics
canvas
Canvas is a new feature of HTML5, which allows us to use the canvas element to draw images on web pages through JavaScript.

svg
SVG is an XML-based image file format. Its full English name is Scalable Vector Graphics, which means scalable vector graphics.

WebGL
WebGL (Web Graphics Library) is a 3D drawing protocol. WebGL can provide hardware 3D accelerated rendering for HTML5 Canvas, so that web developers can use the system graphics card to display 3D scenes and models smoothly in the browser. Create complex navigation and data visualization.

D3
D3 (Data-Driven Documents) is a Javascript graphics library based on Canvas, Svg and HTML.

Three.js
Three.js is a Javascript 3D graphics library based on WebGL

Highcharts
Highcharts is a chart library written in pure JavaScript. It is easy and convenient to add interactive charts to web sites or web applications, and is free for personal learning, personal websites and non-commercial use. The Highcharts series includes Highcharts JS, Highstock JS, Highmaps JS, three softwares, all of which are HTML5 chart libraries written in pure JavaScript.

AntV
AntV is Ant Financial's next-generation data visualization solution, dedicated to providing a set of simple, convenient, professional and reliable data visualization best practices.

AntV includes the following solutions:

G2: Visualization engine

G2Plot: chart library

G6: Graph visualization engine

Graphin: G6 based graph analysis component

F2: Mobile visualization solution

ChartCube: AntV chart online production

L7: Geospatial data visualization

ECharts
ECharts, an open source visualization library implemented using JavaScript, can run smoothly on PCs and mobile devices, compatible with most current browsers (IE8/9/10/11, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.), and the underlying layer depends on vector graphics The library ZRender provides intuitive, interactive and highly personalized data visualization charts