Geographers use graphs to effectively present results. Graphs are a visual representation of data collected. Data presented in graphs can be categorised and explained easily. In this chapter, you will learn how to construct and read basic graphs used by geographers.
KEY WORDS
l Frequency l Bar chart/graph l x-axis l y-axis l Basic bar chart l Multiple bar chart
l Stacked bar chart l Divided bar chart l Pie chart l Trend/line graph l Climograph l Triangle graph
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What you MUST know l How to read a variety of different graphs l How to construct a number of different types of graph
l How to label graphs correctly l How to turn your data frequencies into percentages
Introduction
Graphs are simple ways of effectively showing statistical information collected in an organised and easy-to-read way. It is important that you become familiar with a variety of different graphs and the types of information they are used to show. In this chapter, we will look at the following:
• Bar charts • Pie charts • Trend/line graphs • Climographs • Triangle graphs
What you SHOULD know l How to construct tables using the information from graphs (this may be useful for your field trip project)
l Scatter graph l Tables l Population pyramid l Choropleth map
It is important that you learn how to construct and read a number of graph types, as you will be required to draw them as part of your Geographical Investigation.
Note!
A question on graph interpretation has appeared every year at Higher Level and Ordinary Level.
