What is a ‘heat map’?

A heat map is a data visualization technique used to represent data values through variations in color. This method allows viewers to easily identify patterns, trends, and correlations in complex data sets at a glance. The colors in a heat map indicate different magnitudes or intensities of a phenomenon, with warmer colors often representing higher values and cooler colors indicating lower values. This effectively conveys large amounts of information in a compact and easily interpretable format, making it a powerful tool in business analytics and data analysis.

Options relating to statistical reports or financial performance do not capture the essence of what a heat map is, as it is fundamentally a visualization technique rather than a type of report. While an interactive web tool could incorporate a heat map, it does not define the heat map itself, which is specifically centered on visualizing data rather than being a tool or interface for interaction.