6 2D Visualization and insight

The digital representation of a physical system built from sensor data, external systems, and existing artifacts often operates behind the scenes. In many digital twins, this representation functions without requiring a visual interface at all, supporting automated analysis, simulation, or control processes.

When visual interfaces are introduced, they make the twin accessible to human users. Physical systems can be represented digitally in 2D through diagrams, schematics, geospatial views, floorplans, and data dashboards. These visualizations translate complex data into forms that people can quickly interpret. By condensing large volumes of data into intuitive visual structures, they help bridge the gap between computational processes and human understanding, allowing users to interpret system behavior and make informed decisions when needed.

In this chapter, you will learn how to build visualizations that make this digital reality comprehensible. Different users require different views: operators need real-time alerts, engineers examine technical parameters, executives track KPIs, and maintenance teams need spatial context. Effective presentation ensures that a digital twin’s insights are accessible and easy to interpret.

6.1 Why graphical visualization matters in digital twins

6.1.1 Data-to-visual mapping principles

6.1.2 User experience considerations

6.2 2D visualization techniques

6.2.1 Charts, graphs, and data visualization

6.2.2 Dashboards and control panels

6.2.3 Schematic diagrams

6.2.4 Spatial 2D visualization

6.2.5 Heatmaps

6.3 2D visualization performance considerations

6.3.1 Choosing the right rendering technology

6.3.2 Data decimation and aggregation for time-series data

6.4 Building effective visualizations with Grafana

6.4.1 Why Grafana works well for digital twins

6.4.2 Choosing a visualization platform

6.4.3 Try it out: build a Grafana dashboard for a home digital twin

6.5 Summary