Heat Map
A data visualisation that uses colour gradients to represent the intensity or frequency of a variable across a two-dimensional space, such as a store floor or web page.
Full Definition
In retail analytics, heat maps are used in two primary contexts: store traffic analysis, where sensor or camera data is rendered as colour-coded overlays on floor plans to show customer dwell time and movement patterns; and digital analytics, where click or scroll intensity is overlaid on web page screenshots. Both applications help retailers identify high-engagement zones and dead spots. Editors should note the two-word spelling 'heat map' is preferred in most style guides, though 'heatmap' (one word) is common in software interfaces and may need to be standardised within a document.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer two-word form 'heat map' in editorial copy; flag 'heatmap' (one word) for consistency if it appears alongside the two-word form in the same document.
In Context
- "The heat map of in-store footfall data showed that the rear-of-store bakery section attracted the lowest dwell time on weekday mornings." — Store operations analytics report
- "A heat map overlaid on the homepage wireframe revealed that fewer than 5% of users scrolled past the third product carousel." — E-commerce UX analysis