---
sourceDocument: Australia Platform Analytics
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/now-intelligence

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Platform Analytics

ft:clusterId :

    - par

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    - par

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---

# Types of data visualization

# Overview of data visualization types {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 6 minutes to read

Summarize  
![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI  
This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.  

## Summary of Overview of Data Visualization Types

This document outlines various data visualization types available for displaying data effectively in ServiceNow.
Each type is tailored for specific data representation needs, helping users track metrics, analyze trends, and make informed decisions.
Show full answer Show less  

## Key Features

* **Score Visualizations:** Display single values or scores, useful for tracking performance against targets. Examples include Single Score, Dial, and Gauge visualizations.
* **Time Series Visualizations:** Show data trends over time, with options like Line, Spline, Scatter, and Area visualizations to emphasize trends or differences.
* **Bar Visualizations:** Compare scores across dimensions using horizontal and vertical bars, ideal for nominal or ordinal data.
* **Pie and Donut Visualizations:** Illustrate parts of a whole, effective for comparing segments that total 100%.
* **Multidimensional Charts:** Allow representation of multiple variables, suitable for uncovering relationships in complex datasets.
* **Other Visualizations:** Include calendars, scorecards, lists, box plots, and geomaps for diverse data presentation formats.

## Key Outcomes

By leveraging these visualization types, ServiceNow customers can enhance their data analysis capabilities, improve decision-making processes, and effectively communicate insights derived from complex datasets. Each visualization type serves a distinct purpose, enabling better understanding and interaction with the data.  
When you create a data visualization, you select the type of visualization to display. Each visualization type is suited to show different data.

## Score visualizations {#data-visualization-type-overview__section_m2w_hft_4tb}

This type of data visualization shows a single value or score as a number or percentage. Scores are often used to show how a particular value or metric compares to a target or benchmark. They can be useful for tracking progress
or identifying areas for improvement, for example showing a company's or division's overall performance.  
{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_sth_yqq_5x__entry__2}

| Visualization | Description |
|-|-|
| [Single score visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/v7Ws7u81uMUqAwwHLuT~ag "Use a single score to show a value as a number or percentage. Visualize how the value compares to a target or benchmark, to track progress, or to identify areas for improvement.") ![]() | Single-score visualizations display a single aggregate value that is important to your business. [Single score data visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Gyyak9k11vRPq1Q0waO9bA "Use a single score visualization when you want to show a single value or metric, such as overall revenue or number of open incidents. The basic score visualizes a single value with a descriptive heading and date/timestamp.") |
| [Dial visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Yb9c9tJS1HxcHktoYh3Efw "Use a dial visualization to show where a value lies between expected minimum and maximum values. Use the dial visualization to show how a value compares to a target or benchmark, track progress, or to identify areas for improvement.") ![]() | Dial visualizations show where a single value lies across a range from minimum to maximum expected values. Visually, a "needle" points to the value, and the dial is colored in for values up to the needle. [Dial visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/oypU4XyG1JRhIjOCTwURtA "Dial visualizations show where a single value lies across a range from minimum to maximum expected values. Visually, a \"needle\" points to the value, and the dial is colored in for values up to the needle.") |
| [Gauge visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/BNicmuXaKlE3tVFnAsgaTw "A gauge visualization shows where a value lies between expected minimum and maximum values. Use the gauge visualization to follow progress with color-coded value ranges.") ![]() | Like dials, gauges show where a single value lies across a range from minimum to maximum expected values. In addition to dial functionality, you can set colored data ranges to help users understand what the value represents. [Gauge visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/hjzShyH_n0Ype2WFQBNJYw "Like dials, gauges show where a single value lies across a range from minimum to maximum expected values. In addition to dial functionality, you can set colored data ranges to help users understand what the value represents.") |
[ ]

{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_sth_yqq_5x}

## Time series visualizations {#data-visualization-type-overview__section_ljk_bjq_g5b}

Time Series visualizations show data over time. All time series visualization types
share configuration options. They differ in use case, depending on whether you want
to emphasize data trends or the differences between individual data points. For more
information about these use cases, see [Create time series data visualizations](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/NzOlE7qG8AYXGFh~yB2_jA "Show changes in data over time. Use different time series visualizations to emphasize different aspects of the data, such as trends or individual values.").  
Note:  
In addition to data from within your instances and imported data sources, you can also use MetricBase data in time series visualizations. For more information, see [MetricBase
application](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=metricbase&version=australia&pubname=australia-servicenow-platform&ft:locale=en-US).  
{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_time-series__entry__2}{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_time-series__entry__3}

| Visualization | Description and use case |
| Visualizing trends in a data source ||
|-|-|
| Line ![line visualization]() | Shows how one or more values change over time by connecting a series of data points with straight lines. Use a line visualization to emphasize the trend in the data. Consider line visualizations to be the default choice for showing a time series. If you're unsure of which visualization to use, use a line. |
| Spline ![spline visualization]() | Shows how one or more values change over time by connecting a series of data points with a fitted curve. The curve emphasizes the trend over individual data points. Spline visualizations let you take a limited set of known data points and approximate intervening values. |
| Scatter ![scatter visualization - med]() | Shows unconnected points for values in the Y-axis against time in the X-axis. Usually the trend line is also shown. Use with a spread of data that can't be usefully connected with a line. |
| Comparing scores in a data source ||
| Column ![column visualization]() | Shows changes in data over time by showing values as proportional vertical columns. Use either to visualize changes in one data source or to compare data sources. To compare data sources with a column visualization, either add data sources to the visualization, or place several column visualizations next to each other in a dashboard. |
| Step ![]() | Emphasizes changes in a data source between discreet points in time. Use to show small incremental changes, especially when a line visualization smudges the data. |
| Comparing scores or trends between data sources ||
| Area ![]() | Resembles a line visualization, but the area between the axis and line is emphasized with colors. Use with multiple data sources to highlight the relative contribution that each data source makes to the whole. |
[Table 1. Time series visualization types]

{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_time-series}

## Bar visualizations {#data-visualization-type-overview__section_yl5_y4q_g5b}

Bar visualizations enable you to compare scores across data dimensions. Horizontal and vertical bar visualization types are available. They share all configuration options. In general, use horizontal bars for nominal or
categorical data. Use vertical bars for ordinal or sequential data. Use different colors or patterns to distinguish different groups or categories. For more information, see [Create a horizontal or vertical bar data visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/2m84CCPSQ0myxisUb2KyPA "Use bar visualizations to show information in segments that are proportional to the values they represent. Vertical bar and horizontal bar visualizations compare numeric values that represent either nominal or ordinal data.").  
{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_js4_h4f_s5b__entry__2}

| Visualization | Description |
|-|-|
| [Horizontal bar visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/2m84CCPSQ0myxisUb2KyPA "Use bar visualizations to show information in segments that are proportional to the values they represent. Vertical bar and horizontal bar visualizations compare numeric values that represent either nominal or ordinal data.") ![]() | Bar visualizations show categories labeled on one axis and values on the other. Use vertical bars to compare ordinal data, especially when there aren't too many categories, such as sales numbers grouped into buckets. Use horizontal bar charts with nominal data, such as incident severity or assignment group. * [Horizontal bar visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/XTQI9siP97fTTzG3yv6Bfw "Horizontal bar visualizations enable you to show the comparative size or frequency of different categories or groups, such as incident priority or sales group. You can also add a group by or stack by to a bar visualization, such as the assignment group.") * [Vertical bar visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/U0qzOSpePIvKAuQ7tLes9w "Vertical bar visualizations enable you to show the comparative size or frequency of different categories or groups, for example, sales in different regions or over different periods of time. The X axis of a vertical usually shows a numerical value such years or date ranges, age ranges, or salary ranges.") {#data-visualization-type-overview__ul_ggl_syc_gyb}Pareto bar visualizations help you identify the most important dimension in a large set of dimensions. Columns show data in descending order. A line shows cumulative percentage. Pareto visualizations contain both bar and line graphs. The bars display the data in descending order from left to right, and the line graph shows the cumulative totals from each category in the same order. The left Y axis is the record count, and the right Y axis is the cumulative percentage of the total number of records evaluated. |
| [Vertical bar visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/2m84CCPSQ0myxisUb2KyPA "Use bar visualizations to show information in segments that are proportional to the values they represent. Vertical bar and horizontal bar visualizations compare numeric values that represent either nominal or ordinal data.") ![]() | Bar visualizations show categories labeled on one axis and values on the other. Use vertical bars to compare ordinal data, especially when there aren't too many categories, such as sales numbers grouped into buckets. Use horizontal bar charts with nominal data, such as incident severity or assignment group. * [Horizontal bar visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/XTQI9siP97fTTzG3yv6Bfw "Horizontal bar visualizations enable you to show the comparative size or frequency of different categories or groups, such as incident priority or sales group. You can also add a group by or stack by to a bar visualization, such as the assignment group.") * [Vertical bar visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/U0qzOSpePIvKAuQ7tLes9w "Vertical bar visualizations enable you to show the comparative size or frequency of different categories or groups, for example, sales in different regions or over different periods of time. The X axis of a vertical usually shows a numerical value such years or date ranges, age ranges, or salary ranges.") {#data-visualization-type-overview__ul_ggl_syc_gyb}Pareto bar visualizations help you identify the most important dimension in a large set of dimensions. Columns show data in descending order. A line shows cumulative percentage. Pareto visualizations contain both bar and line graphs. The bars display the data in descending order from left to right, and the line graph shows the cumulative totals from each category in the same order. The left Y axis is the record count, and the right Y axis is the cumulative percentage of the total number of records evaluated. |
| [Pareto bar visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/yQCUhrWOrJh8gYEtlwyVzw "Use a Pareto bar visualization to Identify the most important dimension in a large set of dimensions. Pareto bar visualization columns show data in descending order. A line shows the cumulative percentage.") ![Data visualization pareto bar type]() | Bar visualizations show categories labeled on one axis and values on the other. Use vertical bars to compare ordinal data, especially when there aren't too many categories, such as sales numbers grouped into buckets. Use horizontal bar charts with nominal data, such as incident severity or assignment group. * [Horizontal bar visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/XTQI9siP97fTTzG3yv6Bfw "Horizontal bar visualizations enable you to show the comparative size or frequency of different categories or groups, such as incident priority or sales group. You can also add a group by or stack by to a bar visualization, such as the assignment group.") * [Vertical bar visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/U0qzOSpePIvKAuQ7tLes9w "Vertical bar visualizations enable you to show the comparative size or frequency of different categories or groups, for example, sales in different regions or over different periods of time. The X axis of a vertical usually shows a numerical value such years or date ranges, age ranges, or salary ranges.") {#data-visualization-type-overview__ul_ggl_syc_gyb}Pareto bar visualizations help you identify the most important dimension in a large set of dimensions. Columns show data in descending order. A line shows cumulative percentage. Pareto visualizations contain both bar and line graphs. The bars display the data in descending order from left to right, and the line graph shows the cumulative totals from each category in the same order. The left Y axis is the record count, and the right Y axis is the cumulative percentage of the total number of records evaluated. |
[ ]

{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_js4_h4f_s5b}

## Pie and Donut visualizations {#data-visualization-type-overview__section_vyp_2tq_g5b}

Pie and donut visualizations show the relationship between parts and the whole of a
data set. The segments of these visualizations should total to 100%. For more information,
see [Create a pie or donut data visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/7ShRFlc3f0VjutHl19lfrw "Use pie, donut, and semi-donut visualizations to compare the size of parts of a data set to the whole. The segments of these visualizations should total to 100%.").  
{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_vks_frf_s5b__entry__2}

| Visualization | Description |
|-|-|
| [Pie visualizations](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/7ShRFlc3f0VjutHl19lfrw "Use pie, donut, and semi-donut visualizations to compare the size of parts of a data set to the whole. The segments of these visualizations should total to 100%.") ![]() | Pie visualizations are best when comparing 5--7 segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. Donut visualizations are best for comparing no more than five segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. The center of the donut can be used to show additional information. Semi-donut visualizations are best for comparing no more than four segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. * [Pie visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/imMR1rN~nbLNWmx5z0vuIg "The pie data visualization uses a circular shape to show the proportion or percentage of different categories or groups. Each part of the circle (or \"slice\") represents a different category or group, and the size of each slice is proportional to the size of the group or category it represents.") * [Donut visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/RpKpeyP2YhjPDAvuLJrOrg "The donut visualization uses a hollow circular shape to show the proportion or percentage of different categories or groups. The semi-donut visualization does the same job as the donut using a semicircle instead of a full circle.") {#data-visualization-type-overview__ul_wzh_nsx_pzb} |
| [Donut visualizations](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/7ShRFlc3f0VjutHl19lfrw "Use pie, donut, and semi-donut visualizations to compare the size of parts of a data set to the whole. The segments of these visualizations should total to 100%.") ![]() | Pie visualizations are best when comparing 5--7 segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. Donut visualizations are best for comparing no more than five segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. The center of the donut can be used to show additional information. Semi-donut visualizations are best for comparing no more than four segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. * [Pie visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/imMR1rN~nbLNWmx5z0vuIg "The pie data visualization uses a circular shape to show the proportion or percentage of different categories or groups. Each part of the circle (or \"slice\") represents a different category or group, and the size of each slice is proportional to the size of the group or category it represents.") * [Donut visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/RpKpeyP2YhjPDAvuLJrOrg "The donut visualization uses a hollow circular shape to show the proportion or percentage of different categories or groups. The semi-donut visualization does the same job as the donut using a semicircle instead of a full circle.") {#data-visualization-type-overview__ul_wzh_nsx_pzb} |
| [Semi-donut visualizations](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/7ShRFlc3f0VjutHl19lfrw "Use pie, donut, and semi-donut visualizations to compare the size of parts of a data set to the whole. The segments of these visualizations should total to 100%.") ![]() | Pie visualizations are best when comparing 5--7 segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. Donut visualizations are best for comparing no more than five segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. The center of the donut can be used to show additional information. Semi-donut visualizations are best for comparing no more than four segments that total 100%, when no two segments have a value within 10% of each other. * [Pie visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/imMR1rN~nbLNWmx5z0vuIg "The pie data visualization uses a circular shape to show the proportion or percentage of different categories or groups. Each part of the circle (or \"slice\") represents a different category or group, and the size of each slice is proportional to the size of the group or category it represents.") * [Donut visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/RpKpeyP2YhjPDAvuLJrOrg "The donut visualization uses a hollow circular shape to show the proportion or percentage of different categories or groups. The semi-donut visualization does the same job as the donut using a semicircle instead of a full circle.") {#data-visualization-type-overview__ul_wzh_nsx_pzb} |
[ ]

{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_vks_frf_s5b}

## Multidimensional charts {#data-visualization-type-overview__section_j5f_yxq_g5b}

Multidimensional visualizations enable you to show multiple variables in a single chart, and it can be useful for showing the relationships between different variables. They are useful when you have a lot of data, and you want
to find patterns or trends that might not be immediately obvious. They're also good to use when you want to show the relationship between three or more
variables.  
{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_uyz_dtf_s5b__entry__2}

| Visualization | Description |
|-|-|
| [Pivot table visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/hvKrl_5qkhEpGpxrKnRouA "Create a pivot table visualization to summarize large data sets by breaking them down by multiple dimensions in a single table. Cells show each row and column value combination and can also show subtotals.") ![Data visualization pivot table type - med]() | Pivot tables allow for several kinds of aggregation between its fields. You can also filter the data. The columns represent one field or [breakdown](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/0BmHD84G7z5nj9ylwlJX_g#gloss-breakdown "A grouping or a filter of indicator scores that is based on a qualitative attribute such as Priority, Category, or Assignment Group."), while a hierarchy of rows represents multiple other fields or breakdowns. [Pivot visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/jDm4gfIc5GfxXpc0gjlDig "Pivot tables show multiple dimensions or variables of a data set. This visualization displays separate cells for each row and column value combination, as well as a column subtotal for each first-level row. Aggregate information is presented in the upper left.") |
| [Heatmap visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/yflCtOwAEwVwRAUdORXPrQ "Use a heatmap visualization to show the relationship between two table fields or indicator breakdowns. The changes in color as you move along the axes reveal patterns in the value of one or both fields/breakdowns.") ![Data visualization heatmap type - med]() | Heatmaps show the relationship between two table fields or indicator breakdowns. The changes in color as you move along the axes reveal patterns in the value of one or both fields/breakdowns. [Heatmap visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/GNNdK4rJG4idMyBU~7AflQ "The heatmap data visualization shows the relationship between two table fields or indicator breakdowns as a spectrum of shading between two colors. The changes in color as you move along the axes reveal patterns in the value of one or both fields or breakdowns.") |
| [Bubble chart visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/cCTUivr4wTAYnA6CoEQ2BA "Use bubble visualizations to show multiple separate metrics on a single visualization and to answer binary questions, such as whether two fields have a relationship, and to highlight patterns.") ![Data visualization bubble chart - med]() | Bubble charts are circles of different sizes along an x-y axis. The x and y axes represent different numeric fields, such as values or amounts. Use the relative size and position of the circles to compare fields and see their relationships. You can also group the data by a third field, which can be qualitative. The third field is differentiated by color. Use bubble charts to answer binary questions, such as whether two fields have a relationship, and to highlight patterns. [Bubble data visualization example](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/IN8mQaz_29YYDmKqSx7LYA "The bubble data visualization is used to do compare fields and see their relationships.") |
[ ]

{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_uyz_dtf_s5b}

## Other visualizations {#data-visualization-type-overview__section_gjk_c2r_g5b}

Data visualizations can also show calendars, simple lists, indicator scorecards, and
location.  
{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_bcx_f2r_g5b__entry__2}

| Visualization | Description |
|-|-|
| [Calendar report visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/yVx8YfGBQ9prbopNh3iUzg "Create calendar report visualizations to show and highlight date-driven events.") ![Data visualization calendar type - med]() | Displays data-driven events in a calendar format. |
| [Indicator scorecard](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/~UZlVwU2cdLaWpkdwNfRJg#create-dv-indicator-scorecard "The Indicator Scorecard component enables users to visualize and compare data between multiple Performance Analytics indicators. It highlights the information regarding the last score collected, the change from the previous data point, the trend over time, and the value of the target to achieve.​") ![Analytics center scorecard report-med]() | The Indicator scorecard component enables you to visualize and compare data between multiple Performance Analytics indicators. [Create an Indicator Scorecard](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/~UZlVwU2cdLaWpkdwNfRJg "The Indicator Scorecard component enables users to visualize and compare data between multiple Performance Analytics indicators. It highlights the information regarding the last score collected, the change from the previous data point, the trend over time, and the value of the target to achieve.​") |
| [List](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/gJ1PKlOgrlAADkXzwHQqVw "Create a list of table records that can be drilled down to from chart interactions. List visualizations display table data in columns. By default, the columns match the default list view of the table.") ![Data visualization list type - med]() | Shows a list of table records. |
| [Box plot](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/7T7EDHcfxTByHsQ63hg6kw "Use a boxplot to show the median and lower and upper quartiles of numeric data along with outliers. You can also compare the distribution of different groups of this data.") ![]() | Use a box plot to show the median and lower and upper quartiles of numeric data along with outliers. You can also compare the distribution of different groups of this data. |
| [Geomap](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/CdkgMtwFAyWxFoVOSUVeDw "A geomap visualization shows the geographical distribution of data for a world, country, region, or province/state. Use Geomaps to show table data that contains location information.") ![Geomap data visualization]() | Displays data by country, state, or city. Users can use table data that contains location information to visualize in the chart. |
[ ]

{#data-visualization-type-overview__table_bcx_f2r_g5b}