stag 9

GENG-1101: Engineering 1 - Communications Notes

Class Information

  • Course: GENG-1101

  • Instructor: [Instructor Name Not Provided]

  • University: University of Windsor

  • Class: Communications - Class 9

Agenda Topics

  • Use of images

  • Types of graphics

  • Purpose of graphics

  • Connecting the graphic to the text

Use of Images

  • Copyright on Images:

    • Photographers' images cannot be used in written work without permission, even with credit.

    • Images must be listed as Creative Commons (CC) or public domain for use.

    • Permission is required for any usage of photographers' images for any purpose.

    • Attribution Requirement:

    • A CC-BY-4.0 image can be used if credited: "Photo by: [Photographer's Name]" with a link to the image, following the photographer's attribution request.

  • Posting Images on Social Media:

    • Photos taken at events like an AGM (Annual General Meeting) can only be posted on company's Facebook after obtaining permission from individuals depicted.

  • Source: Professional Communications OER by the Olds College OER Development Team under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Types of Graphics

  • Categories of Graphics:

    • Photograph

    • Pie Chart

    • Illustration

    • Flow Chart

    • Map

    • Graph

    • Table

Specific Graphics Examples

  • Photograph:

    • Provides a visual representation of actual objects.

  • Illustration or Line Drawing:

    • Simplifies a physical object/system, focusing reader's attention.

  • Map:

    • Organizes information to depict locations effectively.

  • Table:

    • Organizes large data sets for comprehensibility.

  • Flow Chart:

    • Utilized to trace steps or decisions in a process.

  • Pie Chart:

    • Illustrates components of a whole.

  • Graph:

    • Shows relationships between dependent ($y$-axis) and independent ($x$-axis) variables.

Purpose of Graphics

  • Communication Purpose:

    • Visuals can serve multiple functions:

    • Depict an Object:

      • Use a photograph, 3D model, or illustration.

    • Persuade an Audience:

      • Includes photographs, illustrations, and graphs.

    • Demonstrate a Procedure:

      • Typically illustrated via photographs or flow charts.

    • Explain a Process:

      • Use flow charts and illustrations.

    • Make Comparisons:

      • Apply bar graphs, line graphs, and tables.

    • Demonstrate Trends in Data:

      • Line graphs are effective in showcasing trends.

    • Organize Information:

      • Maps and tables serve to effectively organize diverse data.

    • Show Components of a Whole:

      • Utilize pie charts for this function.

Connecting Graphics to Text

  • Inclusion of Captions and Labels:

    • Captions orient viewers to the visual, emphasizing important aspects.

    • Titles are used for tables, while figures are assigned captions.

    • Figures represent a numbered set, while tables represent a separate numbered set.

Referencing Visuals in Text

  • All visuals must be cited within the preceding text. Examples include:

    • "See Figure 1; Refer to Table 2"

    • "Figure 3 illustrates/shows/compares…"

    • "As Figure 4 indicates…"

    • Detailed examples include:

    • Figure 8: Indicating that the modulus in the transverse direction is equal to or greater than the modulus in the machine direction.

    • Figure 5: Comparison of two magnetization curves for hard and soft materials from external source reference.

Further Detailed Examples

  • Example 1:

    • Overview of aisles setup, see Fig. 3.

  • Example 2:

    • Comparison of global population growth, indicating a rapid increase to 6 billion in just 12 years, referring to Figure 10.

Placement of Visuals

  • Visual Placement Guidelines:

    • Visuals should be positioned near their reference in the text:

    • Same page as text reference

    • Opposite page of text reference

    • Following page after the initial text reference

    • Included in attachments or appendices

    • Visual Orientation Preferences:

    • Visuals should be positioned vertically whenever possible.

    • Readers prefer visuals they can view without rotating the document.

    • If a visual cannot fit vertically, consider using:

      • Foldout design

      • Horizontal placement (top of the visual aligned with the left margin).

  • Source: House et al. (2017), "The Engineering Communication Manual, Oxford UP."

Upcoming Tutorial Information

  • Date of Tutorial: Wednesday

  • Content: Final report question and answer session plus work session.

  • Final Report Deadline: Due by 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 12.