VISUAL COMMUNICATION NOTES
4.1. CHARTS
BAR CHARTS
These are some of the most popular ways of presenting statistics
A bar chart consists of strips of different lengths each representing a
numerical figure.
The longer the bar the larger the figure it denotes
How to construct a bar chart
- Decide on the scale in which the figures are to be represented
example 1 cm for $500. - Draw the axis – the lines which the scale
is marked mark out the scale at regular intervals. - Decide on the order of the bars. If they show statistics over a
period of time they should be arranged in chronological order. - Label the bars if necessary making sure that all writing is
horizontal so that it can be read easily. - Give the chart a clear heading if possible at the top.
- Give the source of the data used to reassure the reader that the figures are accurate.
- PIE CHARTS
They are used to show the relative size of separate components of a
whole. For example they can be used to show how the income of a country is spent.
EXAMPLE: A PIE CHART SHOWING THE PERFORMANCE OF A COMPANY DURING THE YEAR.
4. 2. GRAPHS
Graphs are a valuable form of visual communication they are a means of
presenting data on the relationship between two constantly changing
elements in the form of single line , the shape of which reveals the
nature of the relationship at a glance.
HOW TO DRAW A GRAPH
- Use a graph paper
- choose the variables for each axis
- Choose the scales for the two axis which will fit the graph paper
- Mark off the axis at regular intervals
- Plot the points of the graph.
- join the points to draw the line graph
- make sure each axis is labeled to show what information it gives and
the scale used - Give the graph a clear title
