MongoDB Atlas provides an easy and secure way to host MongoDB databases in the cloud, and can be visualized using MongoDB Compass, a GUI tool that allows users to issue ad-hoc queries or interact with full CRUD functionality without detailed knowledge of the MongoDB query language. The tutorial covers how to connect to a MongoDB Atlas cluster, import data from a JSON dataset, and visualize it with Compass, including performing CRUD operations on the data and reviewing performance metrics. Compass offers features such as point-and-click access to data, visualization of geospatial data graphically, and the ability to save configurations for easy connection to databases in the future.