Data visualization is basically divided into two types
Although there are several ways to present data on a user’s table, the core difference usually boils down to this question – are you explaining the data or exploring it?
If you are trying to outline an explanation of how the data is behaving, what constructs it is shaping and how it falls into different patterns and scenarios that are important for the user – then you are using explanatory data visualization. You are explaining the story to someone else.
On the other hand, if you are trying to find a story through the data so that you can explore its ramifications, models, and innate behavior – then you are using exploratory data visualization. You are trying to find a story within, and through, the data.