Compare and Contrast Chart Types for Data Visualization

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1. Compare and Contrast chart types. Discuss the purpose, data types, best use cases,
and the stories that can be told for each type
i. Pie Chart
A pie chart is a type of graph in which a circle is divided into different sectors which each
represent a proportion of a whole. They are mostly applied in showing sample breakdown in an
individual dimension (Heimendinger, 2013). Pie charts are good to use when one is dealing with
categorical groups of the data and if one is need to show the data based on a single variable
under consideration. Figure one below is an example of a pie chart representing the distribution
of data for monthly sales.
Figure 1: Pie Chart
ii. Doughnut Chart
Donut charts are special types of pie charts only that the center area of donut charts is cut. Donut
charts have a number of elements including segments and the meaning of the arcs of every
segment. The donut charts are much useful for presenting the relationship the proportions and the
different groups of the data. Doughnut charts are deemed to cover more details as compared to
pie charts which represent simple and less details.

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Figure 2: Donut Chart
iii. Bar Charts
The bar charts are diagrams in which the numerical vales are represented by the height or length
of rectangles or lines of equal width. They are used for comparing many factors such as
percentages in a given set of data.
Figure 3: Bar Chart

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iv. Column Charts
The column charts are vertical and horizontal presentation of the numerical values and has two
vertices. The column charts are similar to bar charts only that they are useful while comparing at
least one set of data points contrary to the bar charts.
Figure 4: Colum Chart
v. Line Charts
These are vertical drawings which are used in explaining trends over a period of time. It has both
vertical and horizontal axis. The figure below shows an example of a line chart representing the
percentage of different categories of elements.
Figure 5: Line Chart