---
comments: true
description: Advanced Data Visualization with Ultralytics YOLOv8 Heatmaps
keywords: Ultralytics, YOLOv8, Advanced Data Visualization, Heatmap Technology, Object Detection and Tracking, Jupyter Notebook, Python SDK, Command Line Interface
---

# Advanced Data Visualization: Heatmaps using Ultralytics YOLOv8 🚀

## Introduction to Heatmaps

A heatmap generated with [Ultralytics YOLOv8](https://github.com/ultralytics/ultralytics/) transforms complex data into a vibrant, color-coded matrix. This visual tool employs a spectrum of colors to represent varying data values, where warmer hues indicate higher intensities and cooler tones signify lower values. Heatmaps excel in visualizing intricate data patterns, correlations, and anomalies, offering an accessible and engaging approach to data interpretation across diverse domains.

## Why Choose Heatmaps for Data Analysis?

- **Intuitive Data Distribution Visualization:** Heatmaps simplify the comprehension of data concentration and distribution, converting complex datasets into easy-to-understand visual formats.
- **Efficient Pattern Detection:** By visualizing data in heatmap format, it becomes easier to spot trends, clusters, and outliers, facilitating quicker analysis and insights.
- **Enhanced Spatial Analysis and Decision Making:** Heatmaps are instrumental in illustrating spatial relationships, aiding in decision-making processes in sectors such as business intelligence, environmental studies, and urban planning.

## Real World Applications

|                                                                 Transportation                                                                  |                                                                 Retail                                                                  |
|:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:|:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:|
| ![Ultralytics YOLOv8 Transportation Heatmap](https://github.com/RizwanMunawar/ultralytics/assets/62513924/50d197b8-c7f6-4ecf-a664-3d4363b073de) | ![Ultralytics YOLOv8 Retail Heatmap](https://github.com/RizwanMunawar/ultralytics/assets/62513924/ffd0649f-5ff5-48d2-876d-6bdffeff5c54) |
|                                                    Ultralytics YOLOv8 Transportation Heatmap                                                    |                                                    Ultralytics YOLOv8 Retail Heatmap                                                    |

???+ tip "heatmap_alpha"

    heatmap_alpha value should be in range (0.0 - 1.0)

!!! Example "Heatmap Example"

    === "Heatmap"
        ```python
        from ultralytics import YOLO
        from ultralytics.solutions import heatmap
        import cv2

        model = YOLO("yolov8s.pt")
        cap = cv2.VideoCapture("path/to/video/file.mp4")
        if not cap.isOpened():
            print("Error reading video file")
            exit(0)

        heatmap_obj = heatmap.Heatmap()
        heatmap_obj.set_args(colormap=cv2.COLORMAP_CIVIDIS,
                             imw=cap.get(4),  # should same as im0 width
                             imh=cap.get(3),  # should same as im0 height
                             view_img=True)

        while cap.isOpened():
            success, im0 = cap.read()
            if not success:
                exit(0)
            results = model.track(im0, persist=True)
            frame = heatmap_obj.generate_heatmap(im0, tracks=results)

        ```

    === "Heatmap with Specific Classes"
        ```python
        from ultralytics import YOLO
        from ultralytics.solutions import heatmap
        import cv2

        model = YOLO("yolov8s.pt")
        cap = cv2.VideoCapture("path/to/video/file.mp4")
        if not cap.isOpened():
            print("Error reading video file")
            exit(0)

        classes_for_heatmap = [0, 2]

        heatmap_obj = heatmap.Heatmap()
        heatmap_obj.set_args(colormap=cv2.COLORMAP_CIVIDIS,
                             imw=cap.get(4),  # should same as im0 width
                             imh=cap.get(3),  # should same as im0 height
                             view_img=True)

        while cap.isOpened():
            success, im0 = cap.read()
            if not success:
                exit(0)
            results = model.track(im0, persist=True,
                                  classes=classes_for_heatmap)
            frame = heatmap_obj.generate_heatmap(im0, tracks=results)

        ```

    === "Heatmap with Save Output"
        ```python
        from ultralytics import YOLO
        import heatmap
        import cv2

        model = YOLO("yolov8n.pt")
        cap = cv2.VideoCapture("path/to/video/file.mp4")
        if not cap.isOpened():
            print("Error reading video file")
            exit(0)

        video_writer = cv2.VideoWriter("heatmap_output.avi",
                                       cv2.VideoWriter_fourcc(*'mp4v'),
                                       int(cap.get(5)),
                                       (int(cap.get(3)), int(cap.get(4))))

        heatmap_obj = heatmap.Heatmap()
        heatmap_obj.set_args(colormap=cv2.COLORMAP_CIVIDIS,
                             imw=cap.get(4),  # should same as im0 width
                             imh=cap.get(3),  # should same as im0 height
                             view_img=True)

        while cap.isOpened():
            success, im0 = cap.read()
            if not success:
                exit(0)
            results = model.track(im0, persist=True)
            frame = heatmap_obj.generate_heatmap(im0, tracks=results)
            video_writer.write(im0)

        video_writer.release()
        ```

### Arguments `set_args`

| Name          | Type           | Default | Description                    |
|---------------|----------------|---------|--------------------------------|
| view_img      | `bool`         | `False` | Display the frame with heatmap |
| colormap      | `cv2.COLORMAP` | `None`  | cv2.COLORMAP for heatmap       |
| imw           | `int`          | `None`  | Width of Heatmap               |
| imh           | `int`          | `None`  | Height of Heatmap              |
| heatmap_alpha | `float`        | `0.5`   | Heatmap alpha value            |

### Arguments `model.track`

| Name      | Type    | Default        | Description                                                 |
|-----------|---------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| `source`  | `im0`   | `None`         | source directory for images or videos                       |
| `persist` | `bool`  | `False`        | persisting tracks between frames                            |
| `tracker` | `str`   | `botsort.yaml` | Tracking method 'bytetrack' or 'botsort'                    |
| `conf`    | `float` | `0.3`          | Confidence Threshold                                        |
| `iou`     | `float` | `0.5`          | IOU Threshold                                               |
| `classes` | `list`  | `None`         | filter results by class, i.e. classes=0, or classes=[0,2,3] |