Big Data

  • Mapping Lines: Using GeoJSON to Visualize AVA Boundaries

    When I needed to visualize data across Arizona’s American Viticultural Areas, I ran into a problem most maps don’t solve: how to work with boundaries that are legally precise but not readily available as coordinates. This post walks through how I used GeoJSON and OpenStreetMap to turn written AVA boundary descriptions and federal GIS files…

  • Chart.js for Data Visualization

    Chart.js has quickly become one of my go-to tools for sharing data on the web. It is open source, lightweight, and works beautifully on static sites, making it ideal for turning simple CSV data into clean, responsive visualizations without heavy infrastructure or proprietary platforms.

  • Essential Metrics for Analyzing Network Structure

    Network analysis helps uncover the structure of relationships that shape how information, influence, and connection move through systems. This post explains the key metrics, like degree, betweenness, eigenvector, and PageRank, that define how nodes interact in a network. Using examples from corporate data and visualizations in Gephi, it outlines how these measures reveal who holds…

  • Learning Tableau for the First Time

    This was my first time using Tableau, and the learning curve surprised me. I went in thinking I would drag a few fields onto the screen and instantly build visualizations. Instead, I discovered that meaningful dashboards require an understanding of how Tableau handles data and how to use tools like COUNT and dual-axis charts to…

  • Designing Dashboards

    In this post, I explore how effective dashboard design transforms complex data into clear, actionable insights. Drawing from principles of visual communication, I look at how tools like Tableau bring simplicity and storytelling to data visualization while maintaining security and flexibility. The piece also highlights new advances such as Tableau Cloud Private Connections and compares…