4.1 Data

4.2 Objects

4.3 Visualization

4.4 Scaling

Lie Charts

4.4 No manipulation

Check scaling: No manipulation

Charts serve as a visual means to compare numerical values, but when incorrect scaling is chosen, these displays are unsuitable to explain the actual interrelations or manage to only to a limited extent. Typical scaling problems and practical solutions are discussed in the following.

4.4.1

Use proper visualization, do not cut axes

Assuming that a chart is intended to support the comparison of numerical values, then it is clear that this comparison should not be made more difficult using manipulated axes. In this case, the chart is not "wrong", but rather the message to be conveyed with the chart does not correspond to the numerical values upon which it is based.

Violations of this rule are discussed in the chapter Lie Charts, more...

4.4.2

Use proper visualizations, do not distort elements

What is true for "cutting" axes also applies in another form here as well: "Cut" columns or bars make visual comparison impossible.

Violations of this rule are discussed in the chapter Lie Charts, more...

4.4.3

Use flat display when comparing area sizes

Numerical values are shown as an area, for example, either when three independent values are to be displayed in the form of a portfolio in two-dimensional space or because major differences in value would otherwise not be shown properly. If these area sizes are calculated correctly and displayed as a great circle of spheres, their proportions will, of course, no longer be correct.

4.4.4

Use uniform class sizes of distributions

If the size of the classes within a distribution is not the same, the degree of visual comparability in this display will be anywhere from extremely limited to impossible.

4.4.5

Use creative charts to compare extreme values

There are forms of display available to also compare extreme values, which extend comparisons to include displays in two or three-dimensional space.