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Data Visualization: Home

Guide for data visualization support.

How do I get started?

The easiest way to get started is to decide what trend you need to visualize. Breaking things down into the following four categories: comparison, composition, distribution or relationship, will help you select the appropriate graphic type for your data.

What am I trying to show?

Comparison

Examples of graphics for comparison.
Column Graph Line Graph Bar Chart Map
column chart line graph bar chart

If you want to compare elements in your data, your four best options are: column graph, line graph, bar chart or map. 

Composition

Examples of graphics for composition.
Pie Chart Stacked Bar Chart Tree Map Map
pie chart stacked bar chart tree map

If you want to show the make-up of elements in your data, your four best options are: pie chart, stacked bar chart, tree map or map. 

Distribution

Examples of graphics for distribution.
Line Graph Histogram Scatter plot Map
line graph histogram scatterplot

If you want to show the distribution of elements in your data, your four best options are: line graph, histogram, scatter plot or map. 

Relationships

Examples of graphics to show relationships.
Scatter plot Concept Model Network diagram Map
scatter plot concept model network diagram

If you want to show the relationships between elements in your data, your four best options are: scatter plot, network diagram, concept model or map. 

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Meg Miller
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Currently on research leave until January 2025.