MSc

The research project titled "Web Application for Data Visualization in Agricultural
Research" was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period from
2021 to 2023. The primary aim of this study was to develop a user-friendly web
application for data visualization in agricultural research.
In the realm of agricultural research and education, effective data visualization
stands as a pivotal tool for comprehension and analysis. However, prevalent software
tools in agricultural research such as R, Python, and Excel, while rich in capabilities,
present formidable challenges hindering their widespread utilization in this domain. The
complexities inherent in R code, runtime errors in Python, and the limitations of Excel
often impede the seamless harnessing of their diverse visualization potential by
agricultural students. In light of these challenges, there arose a significant demand for a
specialized and user-friendly tool designed to meet the visualization needs of agricultural
researchers.
The findings from a pilot survey among agricultural students highlighted the
challenges they faced with R's data visualization tools, despite its free availability and
multiple data display options. Addressing the challenges faced by agricultural students
using R's visualization tools, this research introduces grapesDraw, an open-source web
tool and R package designed to democratize data visualization in agricultural research.
Leveraging widely-used R packages such as ggplot2, dplyr, RColorBrewer,
ggthemes, dplyr, packcircles, factoextra, grDevices, shinydashboard, shinyWidgets,
shinycssloaders, shiny, algorithms for each plot were formulated, along with the
development of corresponding User Interface (UI) and server modules. Individual testing
of these modules was conducted, and upon successful verification, a basic app skeleton
was constructed. Subsequently, the debugged components were transformed into a
comprehensive dashboard. Following integration into a unified platform, thorough
debugging processes were applied to ensure the stability and functionality of the app. By
harnessing the robust capabilities of these R packages, grapesDraw not only addresses
current visualization challenges but also lays a foundation for evolving with the dynamic
needs of agricultural research visualization. Its modular architecture also facilitates easy
expansion to incorporate additional tools for more comprehensive data visualization in
the future.
The design of this app skeleton adhered to a z-shaped pattern for web content
viewing, reflects users' natural eye movement starting at the top-left, moving horizontally,
then diagonally down to the bottom-left, and finally, scanning horizontally across the
bottom. Adopting this layout strategy contributed to a more visually pleasing and userfriendly presentation of information within the web application interface.
The grapesDraw is freely accessible through two different avenues: it operates as
both a web application and an R package. While grapesDraw is hosted on shinyapps.io
under the free tier plan, we recommend utilizing it primarily as the R package, which can
be downloaded via github. Detailed instructions accompany the package, providing
comprehensive guidance on its usage and functionalities. It plays a pivotal role not only
in presenting research findings but also in facilitating effective communication through
publications.
A follow-up survey across various State Agricultural Universities assessed
grapesDraw, where 75 per cent rated the web application as excellent, 23 per cent as good,
and 2 per cent as fair. Criteria like user interaction and overall satisfaction were
considered. Overall, 78 per cent rated the app as excellent, highlighting its strong approval
among users.
This research introduced grapesDraw, a user-friendly web application and R
package, leveraging widely used packages like ggplot2 and shiny. Tailored algorithms
within grapesDraw enhance precision for agricultural data visualization, complemented
by a user-friendly z-shaped layout. Feedback from State Agricultural Universities
highlights its success, with the majority rating it as excellent, emphasizing grapesDraw's
crucial role in facilitating and enhancing agricultural data visualization