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Once you have collected your fieldwork data, the next step is to present it in a clear and effective way. Good data presentation makes patterns, trends and anomalies visible at a glance, allowing you to move on to meaningful analysis. Poor presentation obscures your data and makes analysis difficult.
In the Edexcel B exam, you may be asked to draw a graph or chart from given data, describe what a graph shows, interpret patterns, or evaluate whether a particular graph type was the best choice. This lesson covers all the key chart and graph types you need to know.
The type of graph you choose depends on the type of data and what you want to show. Choosing the wrong graph type is a common mistake that costs marks in the exam.
| Graph Type | Best For | Data Type | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar chart | Comparing discrete categories | Categorical / Discrete | Comparing pedestrian counts at 5 locations |
| Line graph | Showing change over time or distance | Continuous | River velocity at different distances downstream |
| Scatter graph | Showing the relationship between two variables | Continuous paired data | Pebble size vs distance downstream |
| Pie chart | Showing proportions of a whole | Categorical (percentages) | Land use composition of an area |
| Histogram | Showing the distribution/frequency of continuous data | Continuous grouped data | Distribution of pebble sizes |
| Compound bar chart | Comparing compositions across categories | Categorical with sub-categories | Land use types at different sites |
| Population pyramid | Showing age-sex structure | Demographic data | Population structure of an area |
| Climate graph | Showing temperature and precipitation over a year | Climate data | Monthly temperature and rainfall for a location |
flowchart TD
A["What do you want to show?"] --> B{"Comparing categories?"}
B -->|"Yes"| C["BAR CHART"]
B -->|"No"| D{"Change over time<br/>or distance?"}
D -->|"Yes"| E["LINE GRAPH"]
D -->|"No"| F{"Relationship between<br/>two variables?"}
F -->|"Yes"| G["SCATTER GRAPH"]
F -->|"No"| H{"Proportions of<br/>a whole?"}
H -->|"Yes"| I["PIE CHART"]
H -->|"No"| J{"Distribution /<br/>frequency?"}
J -->|"Yes"| K["HISTOGRAM"]
Bar charts display data as rectangular bars where the height (or length) of each bar represents the value. They are the most versatile and commonly used graph type in GCSE Geography.
| Type | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Simple bar chart | One bar per category | Comparing single values across categories |
| Compound (stacked) bar chart | Bars divided into segments | Showing composition within each category |
| Divided percentage bar chart | Bars of equal height divided into percentage segments | Comparing proportional composition |
| Grouped bar chart | Two or more bars side by side for each category | Comparing multiple datasets |
Exam Tip: When describing a bar chart, always: (1) identify the highest and lowest values, (2) describe the overall pattern or trend, (3) quote specific data from the graph, and (4) note any anomalies. For example: "Site A had the highest pedestrian count at 127 people in 10 minutes, while Site E had the lowest at 23. There is a general decrease in footfall with distance from the High Street."
Line graphs show how a variable changes along a continuous scale — typically time or distance. Data points are plotted and connected with straight lines.
Exam Tip: Be careful not to confuse line graphs with scatter graphs. A line graph connects data points in order (usually time or distance). A scatter graph plots paired data points without connecting them, and you may add a line of best fit.
Scatter graphs (or scatter plots) show the relationship between two variables. Each data point is plotted using coordinates from the two variables, but the points are not connected.
| Pattern | Name | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points rise from left to right | Positive correlation | As one variable increases, the other increases | Distance downstream vs river discharge |
| Points fall from left to right | Negative correlation | As one variable increases, the other decreases | Distance downstream vs pebble size |
| Points scattered randomly | No correlation | No clear relationship between the variables | Pebble size vs wind speed |
A line of best fit is a straight line drawn through the scatter of points to show the general trend:
When describing a scatter graph, comment on:
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