Geography - Data presentation evaluation

data table advantages

gives all data equal visibility, can see exact values

data table disadvantages

Difficult to identify relationships/patterns, Does not visualise data

line graph advantage

Can see trends over time, Can identify speed of change over time

Line Graph Disadvantage

Lines between data points suggest regular change between the points

scatter graph advantages

Can identify relationships, Can identify anomalies

scatter graph disadvantages

A more complex technique which may not be recognised by all readers

pie chart advantage

Widely recognised technique is easy to understand

pie chart disadvantages

May put 'Others' into a category, Without data labels, does not show exact values

chloropleth map advantages

Can identify spatial patterns, Able to show all countries

chloropleth map disadvantages

Abrupt changes between areas, Suggests large areas share the same value

map using GIS advantages

Can use to measure distances, Can analyse relief/terrain in software, Can export data to Google Earth, etc.

map using GIS disadvantages

Difficult to identify numeric data/relationships if not shown

photographs advantages

Visual record of that snapshot in time - gives qualitative information, Lots of information can be gathered from one photograph on a variety of topics

photographs disadvantages

Shows only a snapshot in time

Bar Chart Advantages

Accurate representation of data as bars are proportional to values

Bar chart disadvantages

Difficult to see spatial patterns, Without data labels - does not show exact values