Data Presentation (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Note

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 

• One of the simplest methods to display discrete data 

• Bar graphs are useful for:

  • Comparing classes or groups of data

  • Changes over time

Compound or divided bar chart

• The bars are subdivided to show the information, with all bars totalling 100%

• The main use of a divided bar chart is to compare numeric values between levels of a variable such as time

Population pyramid

• A type of histogram

• Used to show the age and sex of a population

• Can be used to show the structure of an area/country

• Patterns are easy to identify

Line graphs 

• A simple way to show continuous data

• Both axes are numbers and continuous. 

• Shows changes over time or space

• A river cross-section is a type of line graph. It shows the shape of the river channel by connecting the plots, even though it does not represent continuous data.

Pie chart

• The area of the circle segment shows the proportion

• A proportional circle can also represent a pie chart

• Maps can display pie charts to show variations at different sample sites

Rose diagrams

• Plot data with bars on multidirectional axes.

• Compass points indicate the direction of the axis.

• Use it for data like wind direction, noise, or light levels.

Triangular graphs

• There are axes on three sides, each ranging from 0 to 100.

• Displays data that can be divided into three parts.

• The data needs to be in percentages. 

• Use it to plot data like soil content and employment in economic activities.

Scatter graph

• Do not connect the points.

• Add the best fit line to show the relationships.

• Shows the relationship between two variables.

  • In a river study, they are used to show the relationship between different river characteristics, such as the relationship between the width and depth of the river channel

Choropleth map

• These are maps that are shaded according to a pre-arranged key

• Each shade represents a range of values

• It is common for one colour in different shades to be used

• Choropleth maps can be used for a range of data, such as annual precipitation, population density, income levels, etc.

Proportional symbols map

• The symbols on the map are drawn in proportion to the variable represented

• Usually, a circle or square is used but it could be an image

• Can be used to show a range of data, for example, population, wind farms and electricity they generate, traffic or pedestrian flows

Photographs 

• Photographs can be taken to show different aspects of sample sites 

• These can be annotated as part of the fieldwork analysis

Field sketches

• Should include location/site number, title and compass direction

• Includes the key features at a site 

Maps

• An essential part of any fieldwork enquiry is to show the location of features and sample sites

• Maps can also be used to show relevant features such as amenities around the sample sites