next up previous contents
Next: Plotting and charting: The Up: Plotting and charting Previous: Plotting and charting: 2-D   Contents

Plotting and charting: Data charts and plots

This example is composed of three illustrations of drawing types used to convey business and economic information. The pie chart is standard. Note that under our definition the graph of frequency over time is a plot whereas the graph of frequency by price is a chart. The first incorporates a histogram. This has two axes, one being the interval scale time. The second is a bar chart which represents categorical data and has distinct bars.

Even though one can draw formal distinctions between these drawings, they are typical of illustrations designed to convey a limited amount of information with clarity and impact.

Although fictitious, the author's (JAS's) CD buying habits are reflected somewhat in this data. Naxos continues to expand its range of high-quality classical music at attractive prices, in contrast to most other labels. Most CDs normally at premium prices were only affordable at club (`discount') rates. This is not intended to be a product endorsement, but rather a criticism of other labels.

CdCharts-small.png
Presentation charts and plots. Illustrations of fictitious CD buying habits. Creation method: XFig, ps output.

View figure as small | medium | large | huge image.
Download bzipped-tar file of PDF-format images.


next up previous contents
Next: Plotting and charting: The Up: Plotting and charting Previous: Plotting and charting: 2-D   Contents
Alex Stark 2003-12-27