Data Presentation | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Data presentation

• There are different types of data:
  • Quantitative and qualitative
  • Continuous and discrete
• There are many ways in which data can be presented:
  • Graphs
  • Annotated photographs
  • Field sketches
  • Maps
  • Diagrams
• The types of data presentation used will depend on the data collected.

Graphical skills

Much of the data collected will be presented in the form of graphs of some form

• Each type of graph is suitable for particular data sets
• The graphs also may have advantages and disadvantages

Bar Graphs

• Bar graphs are one of the simplest ways to represent discrete data. They are particularly useful for:
• Comparing different classes or groups of data.
• Showing changes over time.

Compound or divided bar chart

• Divided bar charts feature bars that are subdivided to represent data, with all bars totaling 100%.
• They are primarily used to compare numerical values across levels of a variable, such as over time.

Population pyramid

• Compound bar charts are a type of histogram that visualizes the age-sex distribution of a population.
• They can also be employed to illustrate the structural makeup of an area or country.
• Patterns within the data are easily identifiable with this type of chart.

Line Graphs

• Line graphs are useful for displaying continuous data over time or space.
• They have numerical and continuous axes.
• An example could be plotting temperature changes throughout the day.

• A river cross-section is a specific type of line graph as it doesn't represent continuous data, but the points can be connected to illustrate the shape of the river channel.

Pie Charts

• Pie charts are used to represent proportions, where the area of each segment corresponds to the proportion it represents.
• They can also be depicted as proportional circles.
• These charts can be integrated into maps to showcase variations at different locations.
• The total percentage of a pie chart must sum up to 100%.
• To calculate the degrees of each segment in a pie chart (totaling 360°), divide the percentage by 100 and then multiply by 360.
• Each segment in a pie chart should be distinctively colored.

Rose diagram

• Utilize multidirectional axes for plotting data with bars.
• Compass points indicate the axis's direction.
• Applicable for displaying data like wind direction, noise levels, or light intensity.

Triangular graph

• Features axes on three sides, each ranging from 0 to 100.
• Designed for representing data divisible into three parts, usually in percentages.
• Suitable for plotting information such as soil composition, employment distribution, etc.
• Review each side carefully to ensure correct interpretation of data directions.

Scatter graph

• Points in triangular graphs should not be connected. They are individual data points.
• The best fit line can be added to illustrate the relationships between the points.
• Triangular graphs are utilized to depict the relationship between two variables.
  • In a river study, they are particularly useful for illustrating relationships between different river characteristics, such as the width and depth of the river channel.

Choropleth Maps

• Choropleth maps use shading based on a predetermined key.
• Each shade represents a specific range of values.
• It's common to use various shades of a single color.
• These maps are ideal for displaying data like annual precipitation, population density, and income levels.

Proportional symbols map

• Symbols on a map are depicted proportionally to the represented variable.
• Common symbols include circles, squares, or custom images.
• They can effectively showcase diverse data such as population distribution, wind farm locations, and traffic patterns.

Photographs 

Photographs serve to depict various facets of sample sites, and they can be annotated as part of the fieldwork analysis.

Field sketches

• Each photograph should incorporate the location or site number, a title, and the compass direction.
• It should highlight key features present at the site.

Maps

• Maps play a crucial role in illustrating the position of features and sample sites during fieldwork investigations.
• They can also display pertinent features like amenities surrounding the sample sites.