FWD Resources
The Data Analysts Toolbox
Welcome to the Data Analysts Toolbox. Here you will find overviews and how-to articles on topics geared towards helping you become a better data analyst. This includes reviews of tools, guides, and more.
Exploratory vs. Explanatory Charts: What’s the Difference?
Master the art of data visuals—learn when to explore insights and when to present them plainly with polished, audience-ready charts.
How to tell engaging stories with data
Transform numbers into compelling narratives. Learn to communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact—even if you're not a data expert.
10 Common Chart Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoid misleading visuals. Discover the top charting errors—from chart type choices to misleading scales—and how to fix them fast.
A data analyst’s guide to making informative charts
Design visuals that clarify, not clutter. Follow practical steps—from choosing the right chart to simplifying design—for clearer insights.
Dimension Tables vs. Fact Tables: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Data Analysts
Build better spreadsheets and dashboards. Learn how dimension and fact tables structure your data clearly—even in Google Sheets or Excel.
10 steps to analyze any dataset with confidence
We sift through tons of data from different sources to uncover the insights we share in our articles. These 10 steps will help you analyze any dataset with confidence
How to Use GeoJSON Files: A Beginner’s Guide
If you're working with maps, spatial analysis, or location-based data, you'll likely encounter GeoJSON files. In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about GeoJSON, how to create one, and the tools you can use to open and work with it.
Common geospatial data types and file formats explained
In this guide, we’ll explain the most popular geospatial datatypes and file formats, what they’re used for, what software can open them, and how to choose the right one for your project.
A step-by-step guide to converting maps into shapefiles
In this guide, we’ll explain what shapefiles are, why they matter, and how to convert a map into a shapefile using simple steps.
Essential Data File Formats and How to Use Them
Data is stored and exchanged in various file formats. Each format serves a specific purpose, ranging from text storage to complex databases. Understanding these file types, their uses, and the tools required to access them is essential for efficient data handling.
Scraping data to create a custom dataset
What do you do when you can’t find a dataset for your project? Well, one option is to scrape websites for the data you need. Here’s an example of how it’s done.
Using Open Data for projects
Looking for data for your next project? Check out Open Data sources like Statistics Canada, Data.gov, and the CDC for datasets. They’re free to access, reuse, and distribute. Check out the list we’ve assembled.
Selecting the right chart to visualize your data
With a multitude of chart types available, it's essential to match the data's characteristics and the story you want to tell with the appropriate visualization.
Creating charts with Datawrapper
Datawrapper is a popular data visualization tool trusted by journalists, educational institutions, finance companies, government institutions, and think tanks. It’s a useful application for those seeking to build interactive, responsive charts, tables, and maps, but have limited coding skills or time.
Data science reading list
Books on data science, data analytics, and data visualization are indispensable companions for anyone looking to harness the power of data to make informed decisions in an increasingly data-driven world.
Where to find datasets for projects
From open government sites to subscription services and everything in between – use this as your go-to reference point when searching for data for your next project.