Data Analysis

Components of data visualisations

Any graphic that displays and explains information, whether data or words, can be described as a ‘data visualisation’. Data visualisations can take many forms. The main components used to convey the message can include:

→text and graphics

→tables

→charts and graphs.

Graphics can include any of the following:

→animations

→audio

→video.

Which chart to choose?

It is your choice how best to present the data you have selected to present, illustrate and support a statement of your findings. There is no best way, but there are other, better ways of presenting the data and information.

In making your decision on how to present the data, consider how you will:

→convey a message or meaning

→identify trends or specific information

→illustrate an aspect worthy of attention

→provide an overall view of the data.

Different types of charts have advantages over others for achieving clearer communication. Figure 2.34 shows different types of charts used for different purposes, but these only scratch the surface in terms of types of data visualisations.

Guidelines for visualisation components

You should follow some simple rules with visualisation components:

→They must have titles.

→The x-axis and the y-axis must be labelled.

→Use a key (or legend) if more than one set of data is provided on the same graph.

→Include author identification and/or the source of the data, the date and a filename (if appropriate).

→Include the unit of measurement on the relevant axis.

→Label each segment of a pie chart.

→Arrange segments of a pie chart (starting at 12 o’clock position) from smallest to largest.

→Consider including absolute figures as well as percentages.

→Choose colours that match the information being discussed.

→Use graphs to show trends or relationships between values on each axis.

→With pie charts, if possible, limit the number of items represented in a chart to five or six

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