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Graphic Communication

1. The document discusses different types of graphic communication including tables, graphs, and maps. 2. Tables organize data into rows and columns and have titles to identify the information. Graphs visually present relationships between variables using different formats like column, bar, line, pie, area, and scatter graphs. 3. Maps communicate spatial information and include elements like borders, titles, legends, and scales to orient the viewer and label locations and distances. Effective maps present clear and balanced visual information to address a specific purpose.

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Marc Jeff Gabasa
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91 views6 pages

Graphic Communication

1. The document discusses different types of graphic communication including tables, graphs, and maps. 2. Tables organize data into rows and columns and have titles to identify the information. Graphs visually present relationships between variables using different formats like column, bar, line, pie, area, and scatter graphs. 3. Maps communicate spatial information and include elements like borders, titles, legends, and scales to orient the viewer and label locations and distances. Effective maps present clear and balanced visual information to address a specific purpose.

Uploaded by

Marc Jeff Gabasa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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C.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

1. Tables
● A table is a convenient way to present data.
● Every table should have an informative title, Rows and columns should
be clearly identified and also Most word processing packages have
utilities to construct tables that can be customized by merging cells, using
a combination of numbers, regular, or bold lines, changing column widths,
etc.

Example Table

2. Graphs
● A graph is simply a device to present data.
● Various types of graphs are utilized to convey various dates. The table below
provides guidelines for choosing the best graph to illustrate your data.

Data requirements for common graph types

EXCEL Graph Type Dependent Variable (Y axis) Independent Variable (X


axis)
column continuous discrete/category
bar discrete/category Continuous
line continuous discrete/category
pie continuous (size of slices) discrete/category (# of slices)
area continuous discrete/category
scatter continuous Continuous

Examples of Ineffective Graphs


Figure 1 was generated in Microsoft Excel
using default choices from the Chart
Wizard feature. The graph may seem
attractive, but is deficient for several
reasons. First, the horizontal and vertical
axes do not have labels, and the Series 1
box is not necessary.

Figure 2 has the axes labeled and the


Series 1 box removed. However, the
horizontal axis does not include all the
intervals, box lines and tick marks are too
narrow, the weight and size of fonts for
the axis titles are too small, and both the
horizontal lines across the figure and
default shaded background are
unnecessary.

Figure 3 is in final form except for a lack of a


descriptive title. Also, it is generally useful to
add a trend line via regression analysis to
convey the precision of the data and allow for
prediction (when will the world champion
pumpkin exceed 2000 pounds?).
Example of an Effective Paragraph

Tufte (1997) has written three books devoted to the display of quantitative
information.The following “principles of graphical excellence” are adapted from his first
volume.

● Graphical excellence is the well-designed presentation of interesting data – a matter


of substance, of statistics, and of design.
● Graphical excellence consists of complex ideas communicated with clarity, precision,
and efficiency.
● Graphical excellence is that which gives the viewer the greatest number of ideas in
the shortest time with the least ink in the smallest space.
● Graphical excellence is nearly always multivariate.

3. Maps
● A map is a spatial method of communicating information about a
project, process, travel route or idea.
● Spatial is how something is distributed in space or how you get from
location A to location B. Getting from A to B can be described either through a
map or through a set of steps, as anyone who has used MapQuest or
Google maps knows.

Map Elements

● Border - it encloses a border to tie all the elements of the map together.
● Title- The map title should be in large type and perhaps a different font. This gives
your audience an initial idea about the subject of the map.

● Neatlines -Various elements of the map, in particular the graphic map itself, may have
a neatline surrounding them.

● North Arrow - If the North Arrow is not present, N is assumed to be straight up the
page. Although placement of the North Arrow is a graphics choice, providing this
feature may eliminate questions.

● Legend- A legend is usually required with any map.

● Scale - it includes a graphic scale bar and/or the mathematical scale. The verbal or
textural scale (1 inch = 1 mile) should not be used because if the map is copied the
verbal scale will no longer be correct.

● Text boxes- These describe the purpose of the map and any other information
important for the viewer to understand the map.

● Metadata- Metadata is data about data. It includes the Projection or Coordinate


system used. Coordinate system notations must include the Datum (like NAD27,
NAD83, etc.) and the zone number. For example for Universal Transverse Mercator in
central NY the notation is UTM Zone 18 NAD27 (or NAD83) and for a State Plane
coordinate system the notation is SP Zone 1842 NAD83 (or NAD27).

● Balance and white space- The map should be balanced so that it does not visually
“fall over”. This is really a judgment call on your part. White space is another artistic
property of a map. A map with too little white space appears crowded, while a map
with too much white space is not well tied together.
Example Maps

MAP A

❖ Map A shows the four counties that were used in a study.


❖ The map clearly shows the geographic position of the counties and the fact that they
are spaced more or less uniformly in a North-South direction over the eastern half of
the state of New York.
❖ The spacing and orientation of the 4 counties would take many more words than
those used above but the map instantly and clearly makes the distribution of the
counties clear.

MAP B
❖ Map B is a more complex map showing the relationship between existing power
substations and power transmission lines to possible new sawmill locations.
❖ The ability to move raw material to the mill and finished products to market the road
network is also important to understanding the problem of mill location. Also
important is the location of forested land cover.

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