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Data Visualization: Charts & Graphs

Tools, tips, and resources on creating visual representations of data, including infographics, charts and graphs, and more.

What Are Charts and Graphs?

Chart = Graph = Visual representation of data where the data are represented by symbols, such as bars (bar chart), slices (pie chart), or dots connected by lines (line graph).

Charts and graphs typically have the following features:

  • A title, or succinct description of what the data represents
  • Dimensions, usually displayed on axes, each of which has a scale (numerical or categorical)
  • A grid (often depicted by lines) that aids in aligning data on the chart
  • A legend, or key, to the symbols used to represent each variable in a multi-variable chart

About Charts & Graphs

Pie Chart of UFV graduates from 2015 to 2016 distinguished by credential awarded.

Pie Chart

Show proportion of total

1 or dimension

Could also be displayed as a "doughnut"

Data source: UFV Factbook, 2015-16

bar graph of 'UFV graduate by age and credential'.

Column or Bar Chart

Compare categories of data

1 or more dimensions

Referred to as a bar chart when columns are displayed horizontally

Data source: UFV Factbook, 2015-16

word bubble for 'causes of death in 20th century'.

Bubble Chart

Represent relative sizes

3 dimensions

Relative of the scatterplot

Data source: 20th Century Death (from the "Information is Beautiful" blog)

Selected Book Titles

The University of the Fraser Valley is situated on the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S’olh Temexw (Our Sacred Land), therefore we express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

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