Presenting Data Techniques!

Presenting Data Techniques!

1. Dot Maps...

   • ...distribution of a variable shown with patterns of dots
   • +show absolute values (e.g. numbers)
   • +compare density and pattern easily (good visual impression)
   • -cannot show data in the form of ratios
   • -high density may not be as clear to see (big cluster of dots, possibly merge together)

2. Choropleth Maps...

   • +link variables to location
   • +show general patterns clearly
   • -give the impression of abrupt changes at boundaries
   • -give the impression of uniform values in each subarea

3. Bar Graphs...

   • +simple to draw
   • -common=not much impact
   • +they have a scale so figures can be read easily and accurately
   • -there only suitable for showing discrete data (e.g. total rainfall in a month)

4. Line Graphs...

   • +effective when showing continuous data
   • -cannot show differences between variables at a single place or time
   • +you can interpolate (estimate) values between data points

5. Population Pyramids...

   • +show how population is composed (divided) by age group and gender
   • -can only show population structure
   • +general shape indicates population structure which is good for analysing and prediction of the future
   • -the figures are for age cohorts so some detail may be lost

6. Scatter Graphs...

   • +show relationship between two variables
   • -do not show significance
   • +trend line can show correlation
   • -can only show relationship between two variables

7. Tables...

   • +exact (accurate) data is shown
   • -do not show overall trends or patterns easily
   • +can show how 2 or more variables are linked
   • -the data usually has to be mapped by another method

8. Isolines...

   • +variable can be mapped across the whole area
   • -difficult to construct
   • +indicate density gradients (spacing of lines)
   • -they can look very different depending on what isolines are plotted

9. Pie Charts...

   • +good visual impression of proportions
   • -actual figures cannot be read easily
   • +indicate relative as well as absolute changes
   • -time consuming to plot/construct

10. Flow lines...

    • +good for mapping movement of variables
    • -data usually grouped=cant read individual figures
    • +arrows can be drawn in both directions or split up to show different components