31:T212a,# February 2023, Observable Plot Twist Newsletter (new!) Level up your dataviz work right here, with Plot Twist. Each month, get updates about fresh learning opps, be inspired by (and fork) community-created dataviz, and check new features that'll get you from raw data to dataviz that tells your story — faster than ever before. --- ## Data visualization fundamentals + best practices with Dataviz Developer Robert Kosara (free, sign up) Mark your calendars: March 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st. [

](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/datavizcourse?utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=datavizcourse&utm_source=newsletter) When do you use a bar chart over a line chart? What are area charts good for? What's wrong with pie charts? Learn about how these different types of data visualization work, and how they're used, in [Observable's first data visualization course](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/datavizcourse?utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=datavizcourse&utm_source=newsletter). Attend lectures (or watch them later), ask questions, and once you've completed a small assignment at the end, you'll earn a certificate. Sign up --- # Observable Plot: feature updates + notebooks of note People love [Observable Plot](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/plot/?utm_medium=newsletter) for its code snippets that enable them to work (much) faster. Our JavaScript library for exploratory dataviz is powerful and expressive, all while letting you create meaningful viz with as little as one line of code. ## Plot feature update #1: axis marks Plot’s [new axis and grid marks](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/plot-axis/?utm_medium=newsletter) allow customization and styling of axes. This has been one of our most asked-for features, closing more than a dozen feature requests (see #[1197](https://github.com/observablehq/plot/pull/1197))! From the notebook: [

](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/plot-axis/?utm_medium=newsletter) Learn more ## Plot feature update #2: new auto mark The new auto mark, [Plot.auto](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/plot-auto/?utm_medium=newsletter), supports fast exploratory analysis where the goal is to get a useful plot as quickly as possible. From the notebook: [

](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/plot-auto/?utm_medium=newsletter) [Released February 6, 2023,](https://github.com/observablehq/plot/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md#063) Plot.auto automatically selects a mark type that best represents the given dimensions of data, according to some simple heuristics. Learn more ## Plot.geo - Overcoming Common 'Gotchas' Aaron Kyle Dennis, self-described "novice cartographer" and "newbie Plot user" [explores common 'gotchas' on the recently released Plot.geo. ](https://observablehq.com/@ambassadors/plot-geo-gotchas/?utm_medium=newsletter) For context, Plot.geo renders GeoJSON geometries such as polygons, lines, and points; it works hand in hand with Plot’s new projection system to help you produce thematic maps. From the notebook: [

](https://observablehq.com/@ambassadors/plot-geo-gotchas/?utm_medium=newsletter) For any file that renders differently than expected, [this notebook is your go-to](https://observablehq.com/@ambassadors/plot-geo-gotchas/?utm_medium=newsletter) before poring over API documentation. --- ## Feature of the month: Easily convert text to a url Check here each month for quick tips on how to work more efficiently in your Observable notebook. Did you know you could simply paste a url over your text in a markdown cell to turn it into a link? No need to interact with any toolbars; just paste the url over your text.

--- # Learning dataviz ## Upcoming learning opportunities + events |

| When | Topic | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | [Join Us](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/datavizcourse) | Mar. 7-21 | Course: Data Visualization Fundamentals| | [Join Us](https://www.meetup.com/observablehq/events/290336566/) | Mar. 29 | Working in Observable Teams Q&A| | [Join Us](https://www.meetup.com/observablehq/events/290336573/) | Apr. 26 | Working in Observable Teams Q&A| ## Learning Observable (free) Are you new(ish) to Observable? Our course ["Learning Observable"](https://observablehq.com/@observablehq/learning-observable-introduction?collection=@observablehq/intro-to-observable/?utm_medium=newsletter) gives an intuitive intro to all knowledge levels. Start Learning ## Learn from (and with) the Observable community Ask your questions on the [forum](https://talk.observablehq.com/), and connect with other dataviz creators on [Slack](https://join.slack.com/t/observable-community/shared_invite/zt-1icwex7uf-ovIAS0PcuJ~ZgBToSyUs8w) and [Mastodon](https://vis.social/@observablehq).
Do you have a feature request? We're listening, and improving the platform for everyone based on what **you** tell us. The product feedback that you give forms the basis of what we're building. Please submit your issues on our [community feedback repository](https://github.com/observablehq/feedback).
Be inspired by and learn from notebooks created by Observable community members. Check out these amazing notebooks Observable community members created this month:
- [Visualizing wind turbines in 3D using threebox](https://observablehq.com/@chrispahm/visualizing-wind-turbines-in-3d-using-threebox) by Christoph Pahmeyer - [Algorithmic Trees ](https://observablehq.com/@meetamit/algo-trees)by Amit Sch - [Oil and gas breakeven prices](https://observablehq.com/@theeconomist/oil-and-gas-breakeven-prices) by Xavi Giménez - [Undulating Marimekko](https://observablehq.com/@pamacha/undulating-marimekko) by paulchaikin View more [featured creators](https://observablehq.com/featured-creators) and [trending notebooks](https://observablehq.com/trending?&utm_source=newsletter). ## Data to practice with Need some data to hone your Plot skills? Our collection of [curated datasets](https://observablehq.com/collection/@observablehq/datasets?utm_medium=newsletter) is comprehensive and real, yet simple and friendly. Use it to learn, teach, and demo. Practice Datasets --- # Observable in the news ## Washington Post Climate Lab: Will global warming make temperature less deadly? The Washington Post recently introduced its new “Climate Lab” vertical — a visual and data-driven column about climate and environment, featuring dataviz created on Observable. Check out [Climate Lab ](https://observablehq.com/@climatelab)on Observable.

Follow Climate Lab --- ## Missed last month's newsletter? Catch up32:[] 2f:{"title":"February 2023, Observable Plot Twist Newsletter (new!)","cells":[{"id":10,"value":"$31","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md"}],"files":"$W32","stdlib":"1","titling":"auto"}