Let them see with their own eyes, and not only through aggregated, abstract data.

FORBES: Four Ways to Increase the Urgency Needed for Change -- Part I

The insights that were shared at this event will help address the gap that is created when the science of climate change is based on abstract data and separated from local and cultural considerations.

UNESCO: Natural Science

In each of the examples above, we witness the compelling effect of data transformed from an abstract state to a physical representation on a map, instantly bringing it to life.

FORBES: Why Animated Data Maps Work So Well

There have been a couple of other posts here on Big Data, but mostly in the abstract sense, like the last one on photographing every move you make.

FORBES: Getting Up Close with Big Data: Part One

Regarding the second assumption: the Prefaces to the recent print editions of the Statistical Abstract said that both government and private sources contributed to its mix of data.

FORBES: Statistical Tools and Errands for Fools