Linear diagram and lobed: the basic principles of construction

In this article, we will look at some of the most popular types of graphs: the linear diagram and the petal. First of all, let's talk about the appointment of these species.

Line Chart

It is designed to monitor changes in several values when moving from the point of origin to the destination point of the chart. This kind of graphic image is used to characterize the relationship, variation and dynamics. In this case the signs of geometry are broken lines consisting of points and straight lines.

To characterize some dynamics, a linear diagram is used in such cases as:

• If the number of levels of the dynamic series is very large. The application of the diagrams under consideration in this case will underline the continuity of development.

• Display of the total trend and the nature of the development of a certain process or phenomenon.

• Comparison of a number of dynamic series.

• Compilation of growth rates.

Features of the construction: in the compilation of a linear chart, the abscissa axis is usually temporary, and the ordinate is an exponential one. On one graph of the type in question, it is possible to construct several broken curves, which allow one to compare the changes of different dynamics for a similar time interval.

Flap chart

It is intended for a comparative representation of a part of the values of a certain number of homogeneous series.

Features of its construction: the graph has separate axes for each selected category of values. All of them, in their turn, have a single beginning. As a result of the construction, as a rule, we obtain a curvilinear polygon that tends to the shape of a circle, which is achieved on the graph with equal values of the considered indicators. This graph is presented in the angular / polar coordinate system, which is based on a change in the considered values of the angle of inclination to the axis. Each line is a vector, therefore, this kind of diagram is a good form for comparing certain trends.

All diagrams are easiest to build in the Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet. For this, there is a "Chart Wizard in Excel".

Step-by-Step Instructions for the "Wizards for Charting"

1. Open the Excel document. Start - All programs - Microsoft Office - Microsoft Office Excel.

2. Formation of data for construction in a tabular form.

3. Opening the "Wizard PD": Insert - Diagram / Graph.

4. Select the type of chart: a linear chart (line) or a petal.

5. Select the data source to build. Rename / set the name of the rows.

6. Customize the parameters of the future graph. The name of each axis, the name of the chart as a whole. Select the category of axes. Show / hide the main / intermediate lines on the chart. Displaying / hiding a legend, where the legend is a tabular form of the series signature. Include / hide in the signatures of the names of series and categories, as well as values (for some other types of diagrams - fractions and sizes of bubbles). Showing / hiding the tabular form of data in the area of the chart itself.

7. Select the location of the final result (work or new worksheet).

On this work "Wizards for building charts in Excel" can be considered complete. The entire process with a competent approach with the application of this instruction (without taking into account the input of the initial data) takes no more than fifteen minutes. Try it, it's not so difficult!