Visualisation for Data Science: CANCELLED

A NZ Statistical Association Continuing Professional Development Programme course

OBJECTIVE: To understand the principles of good data visualisation and implementing those principles using the R software

CONTENT: Part one covers the proven principles of data visualisation. In part two, participants will learn how to apply these principles in R.

Course Outline:
Morning session
- Why good graphs are important
- Visual perception and accuracy
- Cleveland’s perception hierarchy
- Types of graphs
- Why you can (almost) always do better than a pie chart
- Visualising multidimensional data
- Graphical elements and scales

Afternoon session
- The grammar of graphics
- Key elements of this grammar and implementing them using the R package
- Aesthetics
- Geometry
- Facets
- Applications to real data
- Participants working to produce simple and more complex graphs
The R package within the user-friendly R-Studio interface will be used.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Data analysts and scientists interested in understanding the proven principles of visualisation and applying them to real data using R. If numbers need to be limited, Preference will be given to attendees from the national and local government and health sector.

PREREQUISITES: Attendees will need to bring their own computer with the software installed, though we encourage people to work in small groups. Basic knowledge of R and its use in R Studio is essential for the afternoon session. Prior to course, a computing exercise will be available to allow for registrants to check their proficiency with R and R Studio.

Presenter: Ian Westbrooke is Principal Science Advisor – Statistics at the Department of Conservation, where he has worked since 2000. Prior to that, he worked in health and at Stats NZ. He has a strong interest in data visualisation and graphing and has presented workshops on data visualisation, statistical modelling and design of monitoring systems throughout NZ and in Australia and Fiji. He has published extensively including on designing science graphs: https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/docts32entire.pdf

COST: $500 including GST Lunch and tea breaks catering included.
$100 discount for NZ Statistical Association members. To join visit: https://www.stats.org.nz/application-join-nzsa-notify-change-address/

For further information, or to express interest in attending a similar course at another venue or time,, contact: richard.penny@stats.govt.nz