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- Reading graphs and maps
Reading graphs and maps
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Exams are full of graphs, charts and maps. Each type is good for a particular kind of data.
Maps
Proportional symbols: circles or bars sized to match the value.
Flow line map: arrows whose width shows the amount moving, such as migrants or traffic.
Isoline map: lines joining equal values, such as contours or isobars.
Graphs
Bar chart: compare categories. Histogram: continuous data in classes.
Pie chart: parts of a whole (each 1% = 3.6°).
Scatter graph: shows a relationship. A line of best fit shows the trend: positive, negative or no correlation.
Triangular graph: three variables that add up to 100%, such as employment in primary, secondary and tertiary sectors.
Radial (rose) graph: data with a direction, such as wind direction.
Population pyramids
A wide base and narrow top means high birth rates and short life expectancy, typical of a developing country.
A narrower base and wider top means low birth rates and an ageing population, typical of a developed country.
On a scatter graph, as GDP per capita rises, infant mortality falls. Describe the relationship.
- As one variable increases, the other decreases.
- This is a negative correlation.
Answer: A negative correlation.
Choropleth maps shade areas; proportional symbols and flow lines show amounts; isolines join equal values. Line graphs show change; bar charts compare; pie charts show parts of a whole; scatter graphs show correlation; triangular graphs show three percentages that total 100. Population pyramids show age and sex structure.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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