> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vikram-bajaj.gitbook.io/cs-gy-6313-information-visualization/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vikram-bajaj.gitbook.io/cs-gy-6313-information-visualization/why-use-visualization.md).

# Why Use Visualization?

There are 3 main categories of visualization:

1. Explanatory Visualization
2. Exploratory Visualization
3. Confirmatory Visualization

## Explanatory Visualization

The aim of such a visualization is to explain something to somebody i.e. to get a message across.

## Exploratory Visualization

The aim of such a visualization is to be able to extract information from data, without knowing exactly what that data is about. This allows a user to answer questions and generate new hypotheses.

## Confirmatory Visualization

The aim of such a visualization is to verify an existing hypothesis.

Therefore, information visualization can be used for:

* **Communication**: Explanatory Visualization
* **Analysis**: Exploratory and Confirmatory Visualization