Heatmap
A data visualisation technique that uses colour gradients to represent the magnitude or density of values across a two-dimensional surface, such as a store floor or website page.
Full Definition
In retail analytics, heatmaps are used to visualise shopper traffic flow within a physical store, product interaction rates on an e-commerce page, or sales density across a geographic region. Warmer colours (red, orange) typically represent higher values or activity, while cooler colours (blue, green) indicate lower activity. Store heatmaps are generated from footfall sensors, video analytics, or RFID data, and are used to optimise fixture placement and navigation. Editors should note the term is one word ('heatmap'), not two words or hyphenated, in current digital and retail analytics usage.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one word: 'heatmap.' The two-word form 'heat map' is an accepted variant but should not be mixed with 'heatmap' within the same document.
In Context
- "The store heatmap confirmed that the rear entrance saw 30% less foot traffic than the main aisle, informing the repositioning of the seasonal display." — Store analytics report
- "An e-commerce heatmap revealed that shoppers rarely scrolled below the fold on the category landing page." — Digital retail analytics brief