Visualising Multivariate Data with Topological Data Analysis Ball Mapper
| Dates: | 9 October 2025 |
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| Times: | 12:00 - 13:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | methods@manchester |
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| How much: | Free |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, External researchers, Adults, Current University students |
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| Speaker: | Dr Simon Ruskin |
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Session by Dr Simon Rudkin. Part of the Methods North West lunchtime seminars.
Data visualisation is a core component of the empirical process, from data exploration to the evaluation of models. However, visualising datasets with many continuous variables is challenging. To see the shape of data, scatter plots (and their derivatives) are the go-to graphics. Considering each variable as a dimension on the page, we are limited to two directions, with other variables needing to be captured in size or colour. Many solutions to viewing multi-dimensional data involve loss of information in dimensionality reduction, or combine many plots of subsets of variables. Topological Data Analysis Ball Mapper is a means to create an abstract two-dimensional visualisation of multivariate data without loss of information. A motivation for the method, outline of the algorithm, and look at the research agenda developing the method are provided. This seminar explains why we all need to consider the structure of our data and place data visualisation at the core of our empirical analyses.
This event is taking place online via Zoom - you can get the link by signing up to our event on Evenbrite.
This is a precursor to a methods@manchester workshop on Topological Data Analysis Ball Mapper, which will run later in the Autumn.
Speaker
Dr Simon Ruskin
Role: Senior Lecturer in Data Science
Organisation: University of Manchester
Biography: Simon Rudkin’s research focuses on the information which is held within data and the ability to use that information for societal benefit. Much of Simon’s research focuses on the development of Topological Data Analysis (TDA) for understanding data in the social sciences and humanities. His work has considered applications in the UK, China, Europe, and the USA. Topics covered include the health impacts of supermarkets, regional productivity, the digital economy, and finance.
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
Online via Zoom
