There are a lot of tools available to analyse data. Which tool you use may depend on a range of factors:
- basic or advanced functions — if you are working with a complex document you may require a tool with a range of formulas.
- availability of training — the availability of in-person training and online help varies between writing tools.
- industry standards — within certain industries there may be an expectation that you use a particular tool.
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Relevant Digital Essentials modules:
- Work with data and files — module on data sources, cleaning data, data storage, data analysis and presenting data.
- Types of assignments — information on written, video, audio, presentations, posters, 3D models and coding assignments.
Spreadsheet tools
| Tool | Useful features and limitations | UQ Library training | Online training guides and courses | Tool cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Microsoft Excel is the standard spreadsheet tool commonly used in workplaces. It is recommended if you need a full range of specialized functions for data analysis and organisation tasks. | Yes | Getting started with Excel for Microsoft 365 (LinkedIn Learning, 2h56m) |  Free for UQ students |
| Google Sheets | Google Sheets is a free, web-based tool for creating spreadsheets and requires a Google Account to use. To access Sheets offline you need to use the Google Chrome browser and install Google Docs offline Chrome extension. | No | Google Sheets Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 2h7m) |  |
| Calc (LibreOffice) | Calc is an open source spreadsheet tool you can download for free as part of the LibreOffice suite. Although it does not allow cloud-based collaboration, it includes a large number of features and it supports most file formats, including Excel formats. | No | Learn LibreOffice Calc 6 in Under 30 Minutes (YouTube, 22m3s) |  |
Data analysis tools
| Tool | Useful features or limitations | UQ Library training | Online training guides and courses | Tool cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATLAB | MATLAB is downloadable software you can use for data analysis, modelling and visualisation. UQ students can download MATLAB to their personal computers. | No | Learning MATLAB (LinkedIn Learning, 2h2m) Course: MATLAB Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 2h33m) |
 Free for UQ students |
| OpenRefine | OpenRefine can be used as a powerful text search tool and to clean and transform data. It is useful for data cleaning, data wrangling, and data exploration. | Yes | OpenRefine has short introductory videos and user documentation to get you started. You can also check the user documentation. |
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| Python | Python is a general programming language that is widely used for data analysis and visualisation. | Yes | LinkedIn Learning pathway - Python |
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| R and RStudio | R is a statistical programming language that is used for data analysis and visualisation, from importing to reporting. RStudio is its most popular Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which makes working with R more efficient and comfortable. | Yes | Pathway: LinkedIn Learning pathway - R. Resources - used in our different R courses. |
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| SAS | SAS's Education Analytical Suite is a data analytics tool available to be downloaded by UQ students. | No | Getting Started with SAS Studio | |
| SPSS | SPSS Statistics is a software package used for statistical analysis and is available for UQ students via the UQ Digital Workspace and in HASS/HABS Student Computer Labs. | No | Video: Introduction to SPSS for data analysis (YouTube, 16m17s). Course: SPSS Statistics Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 2h24m) |
Free use on selected UQ computers. |
| KNIME Analytics Platform | Use KNIME Analytics Platform to create data workflows, perform different analysis steps and display the results as models or interactive views for interpretation. KNIME analytics platform is available as a free open source desktop application. | No | Resources from KNIME to get you started. Low Code/No-Code Data Literacy with KNIME: From Basic to Advanced (LinkedIn Learning, 2h18m) |
|
GIS tools
This table lists a few key GIS tools and training resources. See our Geographical information systems (GIS) guide for a more comprehensive overview of GIS resources for researchers.
If you are looking for solutions within specific programming languages, Python can be used for GIS and spatial analysis using modules such as GeoPandas or Folium.
The R programming language can also be used for GIS and spatial analysis using modules such as tmap, Simple Features (sf), terra, and stars.
| Tool | Useful features and limitations | UQ Library training | Online training guides and courses | Tool cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARTO | CARTO is a cloud-based GIS platform built on open source software. Students can use Carto for free via the GitHub Student Developer Pack. | No | Carto tutorials | |
| ESRI ArcGIS | ESRI ArcGIS Pro is a downloadable desktop application for building and analysing geographical information. Students may use ArcGIS within specific courses. You can also use ArcGIS online which is a colleciton of cloud based tools. View the UQ Map Gallery from ArcGIS . | No | ArcGIS Pro Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 3h47m). | Free for UQ students |
| Google Earth | Google Earth is a free mapping tool available online, via your desktop, or on your mobile device. | No | Become a Google mapping expert | |
| QGIS | QGIS is a free, open-source desktop application for creating, editing and analysing geospatial information. | Yes | Course: Learning QGIS (LinkedIn Learning, 2h57m) Guide: QGIS Training manual |
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| uMap | uMap is an open source, cloud-based tool to create quick interactive and collaborative maps that are easy to share and embed. | Yes | Guide: uMap guide Video: Introduction to uMap (YouTube, 12m30s). |
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Text analysis tools
This table lists a few key text analysis software tools and training resources. Our Text mining and text analysis guide provides a more comprehensive overview for researchers. It includes information on:
- Sources of text data.
- Preparing text for analysis.
- A tool comparison table.
Programming languages such as Python and R can also be used for text mining and analysis. The Library offers training sessions in both languages.
| Tool | Useful features and limitations | UQ Library training | Online training guides and courses | Tool cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leximancer | Leximancer is used for scientific qualitative data analysis including concept visualisation and mapping. UQ students can access a licensed version of Leximancer desktop software. | No | Leximancer Overview (YouTube, 1m44s). Advanced Leximancer Features (YouTube, 2m56s). Resources from Leximancer. |
Free for UQ students |
| NVivo | Nvivo is a qualitative data analysis software. It is used to organise and analyse text and data. The software is available on Library computers. UQ students and staff can request a licence. | Yes | Using NVivo in systematic reviews guide. Getting started training manual - check under NVivo Pro. |
Free for UQ students |
| Voyant Tools | Voyant Tools is an open source text analysis app that can be used online or downloaded on your computer. It allows creating dashboards of visualisations and summaries to analyse a single document or a corpus of texts. | Yes | Voyant Tools guides. | |
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Free tools are completely free to use with all features.
Freemium tools include basic functionality for free. Additional features may need to be paid for.
Open source tools are developed in a collaborative manner and can be used, modified or shared openly. This software can be used for free and often includes a lot of support documentation.
Paid tools can only be used after purchasing, and agreeing to, a product licence.
