Understanding Compound Bar Graphs in Data Representation

Understanding Compound Bar Graphs in Data Representation

Compound bar graphs are essential tools for visualizing data by displaying total values and their components. This resource explains how to interpret and create compound bar graphs, highlighting their importance in comparing different data sets. It covers the structure of these graphs, including axes, scales, and legends, making it suitable for students and professionals alike. Ideal for those studying statistics or data analysis, this guide provides step-by-step instructions for drawing and interpreting compound bar graphs effectively.

Key Points

  • Explains the structure and components of compound bar graphs.
  • Covers the interpretation of data through visual representation.
  • Includes step-by-step instructions for creating compound bar graphs.
  • Discusses the differences between compound bar graphs and standard bar graphs.
, , ,
  • newtopiccyclegrowin
372
/ 2
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Tas.SAWAQldVic.NSW
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Estimated number of motor vehicles (thousands)
One vehicle
Two vehicles
Three or more
vehicles
None
Each column shows the total, the parts that
make up the total and the size of each part.
Different
parts
Same
parts
Descriptive title.
Legend shows
parts each
column is
divided into.
Horizontal axis
shows categories
of data.
Vertical axis shows data graphed,
units of measurement and scale
line for measuring data.
Number of motor vehicles
per household, 2006
Make comparisons
about the size of
the parts of each
column and the
same parts in
other columns.
TOPIC
11.2
142
KEY SKILLS IN GEOGRAPHY
Compound bar graphs and compound column
graphs are also called complex, composite or
divided bar and column graphs. Each bar or column
is drawn to show the total value, and then divided
to show:
• the parts that make up the total
• the size of each part.
In compound column and bar graphs, we need to:
• study the information on the axes
• use the scale line to fi nd the sizes of the total
and of each of the parts
• compare the size of each part with other parts
on the same and adjoining bars or columns.
Interpreting a compound bar
or column graph
Step by step
STEPS IN INTERPRETING A COMPOUND BAR OR
COLUMN GRAPH
1 What is the title of this graph? Where has the
information come from?
2 Is this a compound bar or column graph? Give
reasons for your answer.
3 Which axis has a scale line? What does it show?
4 Which axis shows categories of data? What is
the data divided into?
5 What does the key tell us? What parts is each
column or bar divided into?
6 Describe the pattern of the total data. Compare
the size of the parts in each column or bar, and
the same parts in adjoining columns or bars.
Describe changes, differences or trends in the
pattern.
7 Suggest reasons for the pattern. What may
happen in the future? Give reasons for your
answer.
1 What are the differences between bar and
column graphs?
2 Study Figure 11.4 and complete each of the
Steps in interpreting a compound column
graph.
3 Next, study Figure 11.5 and complete Steps 6
and 7 of the above steps.
4
If Perth’s population grew to equal Melbourne's,
what would that mean for the number of people
travelling to work or study in Perth, and for the
length of their journey? Give reasons for your
answer.
Drawing a bar or column graph
It is important fi rst of all to make sure you know
the difference between column and bar graphs.
1 Using the steps in Figure 11.5, draw a compound
bar or column graph of the following data:
Type of waste Total waste
generated
(1000 t)
Waste
recycled
(1000 t)
Waste
disposed of
(1000 t)
Paper/cardboard 1487 764 723
Plastic 469 59 410
Glass 280 171 109
Metals 1197 1015 182
Concrete 1917 1451 466
Garden organics 1578 842 735
Other 5245 1527 3716
Estimated waste generated, recycled and disposed of in
New South Wales, 2002–03, in tonnes (thousands)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
2 When you have drawn the graph, complete
Step 7 of the Steps in interpreting a compound
bar or column graph.
Compound bar
and column
graphs
11.4 Interpreting a compound column graph. Source:
4602.0—Environmental Issues: People’s Views and
Practices, March 2006
1 Draw the vertical and horizontal axes. Decide which will show categories of data (vertical for bar graph,
horizontal for column graph). Length of axes depends on number of categories, width of bars and scale selected.
9 Add source.
Vertical axis
Horizontal axis
8 Add descriptive title.
7 Add legend to explain the component parts
of each bar.
5 Divide each bar or column into its component parts.
4 Plot total values on graph. Draw bars or columns,
spread evenly along axis, with even space between
each bar or column and the next.
3 Select scale, mark scale on
axis, number each mark to create
scale line. Label axis with type of
data to be graphed and units of
measurement.
2 Decide order in which categories
will be shown (e.g. date,
importance, highest to lowest).
Label axis to name/describe
categories of data.
Perth
Brisbane
Melbourne
Sydney
Distance travelled
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Number of persons (thousands)
Estimated average distance of the usual trip
to work or study in four major capital cities, 2006
Distance travelled to work
or study in capital cities
Does not travel
30 km or more
10–30 km
5–10 km
Less than 5 km
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
6 Outline each bar or column with fine black line and
shade in appropriate colours.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
85+
80–84
75–79
70–74
65–69
60–64
55–59
50–54
45–49
40–44
35–39
30–34
25–29
20–24
15–19
10–14
5–9
0–4
Per cent
Descriptive title
Vertical axis shows the number of times something occurs,
e.g. the percentage of the population in each age group.
Histogram of the age distribution of
the population of Queensland, 2006
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Columns are
of equal width.
There is no
gap between
columns
because the
data is
continuous,
i.e. the total
population
from birth
to death.
Numbers
are shown
on scale
line on
both vertical
and
horizontal
axes.
Horizontal axis is divided into categories, e.g. age groups.
0 20 40 60 80 100
WA
Qld
Vic
NSW
per cent
Horizontal
axis shows
scale line for
measuring
data as a
percentage.
Main type of transport used on
usual trip to work or study, 2006
Vertical
axis shows
categories
of data.
Descriptive title
Parts are shown
as a percentage.
Private motor vehicle Public transport
Bicycle Walk Other
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Legend shows parts
each bar is divided into.
11.6 The main type of transport used on usual trip to work
or study, 2006. Source: 4602.0—Environmental Issues:
People’s Views and Practices, March 2006
11.7 Histogram of the age distribution of the population
of Queensland. Source: 3201.0—Population by Age
and Sex, Australian States and Territories
E
x
t
e
n
s
i
o
n
M
a
t
e
r
i
a
l
Chapter 11 MORE GRAPHS AND STATISTICS
143
1 What does Figure 11.6 show? How is it different
from Figures 11.4 and 11.5?
2 Complete Steps 5, 6 and 7 of the Steps in
interpreting a compound bar or column graph.
3 How does a histogram differ from a column graph?
4 What does Figure 11.7 show? Why does a
histogram suit what Figure 11.7 shows?
11.5 Steps in drawing a compound bar or column graph. Source: 4602.0—Environmental Issues: People’s Views and
Practices, March 2006
Percentages and compound
column and bar graphs
Compound column and bar graphs are often drawn
with the total graphed as 100. Each bar or column
is therefore the same size, and is subdivided to show
each part as a percentage of the total. This type of
graph allows accurate interpretation of the component
parts and of change between places and over time.
Histograms
Histograms are similar to column graphs, but with
numbers—in other words, a scale line—on both
the vertical and the horizontal axis. They show the
frequency or number of times that something occurs
in a particular category.
There are no gaps between the columns because
histograms show continuous data—such as numbers
of vehicles on a motorway or the population from
the youngest to the oldest person.
/ 2
End of Document
372
You May Also Like

FAQs of Understanding Compound Bar Graphs in Data Representation

What are the key features of compound bar graphs?
Compound bar graphs display total values divided into component parts, allowing for easy comparison of different categories. Each bar represents a total value, while segments within the bar indicate the individual components contributing to that total. This structure helps in visualizing the relationship between different data sets and understanding trends over time.
How do you interpret a compound bar graph?
Interpreting a compound bar graph involves analyzing the axes, scale, and the segments within each bar. The vertical axis typically represents the total value, while the horizontal axis categorizes the data. By comparing the sizes of the segments, one can identify trends, differences, and relationships between the data sets being represented.
What is the difference between a compound bar graph and a standard bar graph?
A compound bar graph includes multiple segments within each bar, representing different components of the total value, while a standard bar graph typically displays only one value per bar. This allows compound bar graphs to convey more complex information and facilitate comparisons between different categories or groups.
What are the applications of compound bar graphs?
Compound bar graphs are widely used in various fields such as business, education, and research to present complex data in a clear and concise manner. They help in visualizing trends, making comparisons, and analyzing relationships between different data sets, making them valuable for presentations, reports, and academic studies.

Related of Understanding Compound Bar Graphs in Data Representation