Representation of Geographical Data Using Graphs

Abstract

Suitable, accurate and lucid presentation and visualization of geographical data using various types of graphs become helpful for their correct analysis, explanation and realization for proper understanding of the real world. It is very simple, attractive and easily recognizable not only to the geographers or efficient academicians but also to the common literate people. This chapter includes a detailed classification of all types of graphs and the discussion of various types of co-ordinate systems with illustrations as an essential basis of the construction of graphs. Different types of bi-axial (arithmetic and logarithmic graph, climograph etc.), tri-axial (ternary graph), multi-axial (spider graph, polar graph etc.) and special graphs (water budget graph, hydrograph, rating curve, Lorenz curve, rank-size graph, hypsometric curve etc.) have been discussed with suitable examples in terms of their suitable data structure, necessary numerical calculations, methods of construction, appropriate illustrations, and advantages and disadvantages of their use. Systematic and step-by-step discussion of methods of their construction helps the readers for easy and quick understanding of the graphs. The difference between arithmetic and logarithmic graphs is explained precisely with proper examples and illustrations. Different types of frequency distribution graphs have been explained with suitable data, necessary mathematical and statistical computations, and proper illustrations. All types of graphs represent a perfect co-relation between the theoretical knowledge of various geographical events and phenomena and their realistic implications with suitable examples.