HOW TO CREATE

OUTSTANDING
ENGINEERING GRAPHS
FOR REPORTS AND
PRESENTATIONS

Prepared by: Dr. Karima Mechouat

 GENERAL OVERVIEW

Introduction

The primary purpose of a technical graph is to tell a story.

An outstanding graph presents a large data set in a small
space so that the reader can identify trends, understand
relationships between variables, and grasp an idea
quickly.

Very often the reader will be a supervisor, purchasing

agent, attorney, or any other individual who lacks your
technical background.
Well-designed graphs tell a story better than a text
can; all will enhance your technical credibility.

Microsoft Excel is the most widely used graphing

software in engineering and technology because it is
ubiquitous in the workplace.
Charts, graphs, and tables provide a great deal of
visual appeal. They allow users to quickly spot
trends, examine pronounced data, and see an actual
picture. This power and appeal makes a:

“Picture Worth a Thousand Words.”

In professional settings, charts, graphs, and tables

can be used to represent data, illustrate important
patterns or relationships, and observe changes as
data is altered.
 CHARTS AND GRAPHS

Reasons to create charts and graphs:

 Provide a visual representation of data.

 Effectively clarify information.
 Represent many different types of data.
 Make important trends easily
recognizable.
 Allow users to perceive information
quickly.
 Aid data interpretation.
Charts and graphs can be incorporated into any
medium:

- Reports
- Web Pages
- Posters
- Word Processing Document
- Desktop Publishing Document
 PURPOSE OF DISPLAYING
DATA

The purpose of developing clearly understandable

tables, charts and graphs is to facilitate:

 analysis of data
 interpretation of data
 effective and rapid communication on complex issues
and situations
GENERAL RULES FOR DISPLAYING DATA

 Simpler is better.

 Graphs, tables and charts can be used together.

 Use clear descriptive titles and labels.

 Provide a narrative description of the highlights.

 Points and Lines

The convention for technical graphs is to plot data

as points. Use lines for theory, for regression lines
(curve fitting), or for clarity (connect the dots).
 Titles

The purpose of a title is to describe what is being plotted. It may

seem redundant to describe the graph in the text of a report, and
then describe it in a title. However, graphs are more likely to be
“borrowed” from your report than your text. When your graph
lands in someone else’s report or presentation, the title provides
context.

Label the axes with the name of the variable, followed by the units
in parentheses. For example: Temperature (°F). Even better: Bath
temperature (°F).

Age (years)
Height (m)
 Grid Lines

Excel automatically inserts horizontal grid lines. If you

choose to include grid lines, make sure the final
product is easy to read. Generally, it is better to remove
the grid lines unless you plan to read data off the
graph.
Order of symbols
The order of symbols in a legend should parallel the
arrangement of the data in the graph. For example, the
topmost legend symbol should stand for the topmost
line on the graph. A parallel structure is clearer, and
helps the reader understand the graph more quickly.
In many cases, it is better to label the data directly on
the graph, rather than use a legend.

Symbols, colours, and line thicknesses become

confusing beyond four or five datasets, especially if
the graph will be printed in black and white.

Street names and route numbers are marked directly

on the roads on a conventional map. No mapmaker
would consider placing street names and route
numbers in a long legend at the side of the map, yet
we do this routinely with technical graphs, at the
expense of readability.
 Comparison

A good graph shows values and trends; a better graph enables

the reader to compare different sets of data.

Comparisons occur between multiple sets of data on the

same graph, and between multiple graphs presented side-by-
side (as in the annual automotive issue of Consumer).

Conclusion

Once your graph is complete, ask the following question:

Is everything readable?
 GRAPHS

What is a graph?

Definition

A diagram representing a system of connections or

interrelations among two or more things by a number
of distinctive dots, lines, bars, etc. It a series of points,
discrete or continuous, as in forming a curve or surface,
each of which represents a value of a given function.

Also called Linear graph. It is a network of lines

connecting points.
Exercise 1:

Match the title of the graph in column “A” with their

corresponding definitions in column “B”. Put the
numbers of the titles next to the letters.
 A. This is a type of chart which
contains tabled horizontal or
vertical bars showing a piece of
information and an axis. The
numbers along the side of this
1- Bar graph graph compose the axis. This is also
called as a histogram; it is useful
when there is a numerical
comparison

B. This graph is used to show how

something changes with respect to
time. It shows the contribution of
2- Area graph each data series in the form of a
picture
 C. This is a type of chart which shows
an increase or decrease in an initial
value. This contains floating vertical
columns that show the increase or
3- Waterfall chart decrease in initial value through a
series of intermediate steps leading
to a final value. An invisible column
keeps the increase or decrease
related to the heights of the previous
columns

D. It is a type of a circle graph normally

used in showcasing a wholesome quantity;
4- Pie chart we have to show that the whole quantity
is broken into parts. The whole quantity
depicts entire sample space and the pieces
of pie in the circle graph are called sectors.
 E. When project seem overbearing and
processes seem complex, this chart can
5- Flow chart save the day by breaking things down
into smaller steps and giving you a
clearer idea of the overall process.
Shapes are typically used to represent
the components of this chart.

F. It is a circular chart in which data is

displayed in terms of values and angles. This
provides a mechanism to compare various
qualitative and quantitative aspects of a
situation graphically. By using this chart we
can plot multiple data sets each with a single
6- Polar chart line with many points needed. It is normally
used in Engineering and Modelling
Industries. It has two variables X and Y where
X is plotted as an angle and Y is the radius. In
this chart the data set having the maximum
values covers the maximum area in the
whole graph. The X and Y-axes can be used to
demonstrate real world quantities.
 G. It is a way of representing two
pieces of information which is
usually related and vary with
respect to each other. This is
useful when comparisons are
needed. It is used to display the
comparison between two
variables which are plotted on
7- Line graph the horizontal x- and vertical y-
axes of a grid. The x-axis usually
represents measures of time,
while the y- axis usually
represents percentage or
measure of quantity. Therefore,
it is commonly used as time
series graphs that show
differences in direction
 Exercise 2:
The following diagrams represent the different types
of graphs. Using information from the above
definitions (exercise1), identify the following graphs.

Line Graph
Pie Chart
Area Graph
Waterfall Chart
Polar Chart
Flow Chart
 LINE GRAPHS
Example 1:
The table below shows daily temperatures for New York
City, recorded for 6 days, in degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures in NY City
Day Temperature
1 43 ° F
2 53 ° F
3 50 ° F
4 57 ° F
5 59 ° F
6 67 ° F

The data from the table above has been summarized in

the line graph below.
Example 2:
Sarah bought a new car in 2001 for $24,000. The dollar
value of her car changed each year as shown in the
table below.
Value of Sarah's Car

Year $Value
2001 $24, 000
2002 $22,500
2003 $19,700
2004 $17,500
2005 $14,500
2006 $10,000
2007 $5,800

The data from the table above has been summarized

in the line graph below.
Example 3:
The table below shows Sam's weight in kilograms for 5 months.

Sam’s Weight
Month Weight in Kilo

January 49

February 54

March 61

April 61

May 73

The data from the table above has been summarized in the line
graph below.
In Example 1, the temperature changed from day to day.

In Example 2, the value of Sarah's car decreased from year

to year.

In Example 3, Sam's weight increased each month.

Each of these line graphs shows a change in data over time.

A line graph is useful for displaying data or information that

changes continuously over time.

Another name for a line graph is a line chart.

The graph below will be used to help us define the parts of a

line graph.
Titles The title of the line graph tells us what the graph is about.

Labels The horizontal label across the bottom and the vertical label
along the side tell us what kinds of facts are listed.

Scales The horizontal scale across the bottom and the vertical scale
along the side tell us how much or how many.

Points The points or dots on the graph show us the facts.

Lines The lines connecting the points give estimates of the values
between the points.

Now that we are familiar with the parts of a line graph, we

can answer some questions about each of the graphs from
the examples above.
Exercise 3:
Match the following parts of a line graph
with their definitions

Let's define the various parts of a line

graph
Lines The title of the line graph tells us what the graph is about.

Scales The horizontal label across the bottom and the vertical label
along the side tell us what kinds of facts are listed.

The horizontal scale across the bottom and the vertical scale
Points along the side tell us how much or how many.

Labels The points or dots on the graph show us the facts.

Titles The lines connecting the points give estimates of the values
between the points.

Now that we are familiar with the parts of a line graph, we

can answer some questions about each of the graphs from
the examples above.
Exercise 4:

Now that we are familiar with the parts of a line

graph, let’s answer some questions about the
following graphs.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the title of this line graph?
2. What is the range of values on the horizontal scale?
3. What is the range of values on the vertical scale?
4. How many points are in the graph?
5. What was the lowest temperature recorded?
6. What was the highest temperature recorded?
7. At what point did the temperature dip?
ANSWERS
1-
2-
3-
4-
5-
6-
7-
ANSWERS
1- Temperatures in New York City

2- 1 to 6

3- 0 to 80

4- 6

5- 43° F

6- 67° F

7- Day 3: 50° F
QUESTIONS
1. What is the title of this line graph?
2. What is the range of values on the horizontal scale?
3. What is the range of values on the vertical scale?
4. How many points are in the graph?
5. What was the highest value recorded?
6. What was the lowest value recorded?
ANSWERS

1.
2.
3
5.
6.
7.
ANSWERS

1. Value of Sarah's Car

2. 2001 to 2007

3. 0 to 25,000

5. $24,000

6. $5,800

7. decrease
Exercise 5:

Now it’s your turn to ask some questions

about the following graphs:
QUESTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the title of this line graph?
2. What is the range of values on the horizontal scale?
3. What is the range of values on the vertical scale?
4. How many points are in the graph?
5. What was the highest value recorded?
6. What was the lowest value recorded?
7. Did Sam's weight increase or decrease over time?
ANSWERS

1- Sam's Weight
2- January to May
3- 0 to 80
4- 5
5- 73 kg
6- 49 kg
7- increase
 The line graph below shows people in a store at various times of the day.

QUESTIONS
1-
2-
3-
4-
5-
6-
7-
 The line graph below shows people in a store at various times of the day.

QUESTIONS
1- What is the line graph about?
2- What is the busiest time of day at the store?
3- At what time does business start to slow down?
4- How many people are in the store when it opens?
5- About how many people are in the store at 2:30 pm?
6- What was the greatest number of people in the store?
7- What was the least number of people in the store?
 ANSWERS

1- People in a Store

2- 1 pm

3- 3 pm

4- 2

5- 11

6- 22

7- 2
The line graph below shows the number of teens ages 13 through 19 in
Smalltown that have cell phones.

QUESTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The line graph below shows the number of teens ages 13 through 19 in
Smalltown that have cell phones.

QUESTIONS
1. What is the line graph about?
2. At what age do teens have the greatest number cell phones?
3. At what age do teens have the least number of cell phones?
4. How many cell phones do 15 year-olds have?
5. About how many cell phones do 16 year-olds have?
6. What was the greatest number of cell phones at any age?
7. What was the least number of cell phones at any age?
ANSWERS

1- Smalltown Teens With Cell Phones

2- 19 years
3- 13 years
4- 341
5- 430
6- 642
7- 229
QUESTIONS
1-
2-
3-
4-
1- In which month were there the most vandals?
2- How many vandals were there in March?
3- In which month were there 24 vandals?
4- How many vandals were there in February?
ANSWERS TO WARM UP QUESTIONS

1. List two demographic variables by which

surveillance data can be analysed.
ANSWERS TO WARM UP QUESTIONS

1. List two demographic variables by which

surveillance data can be analysed.

Age, sex, marital status, etc.

2. True or false? Compiling all the data into one
comprehensive chart or graph is more effective
than including many simpler diagrams.
2. True or false? Compiling all the data into one
comprehensive chart or graph is more effective
than including many simpler diagrams.

False
3. Which of the following can not be extracted
from public health surveillance data:
a. changes over time
b. changes by geographic distribution
c. differences according to subject’s sex
3. Which of the following can not be extracted
from public health surveillance data:
a. changes over time
b. changes by geographic distribution
c. differences according to subject’s sex

d. none of the above

 Chocolate Milk Sold

120
112

100

80 76
Amount Sold

72

60
53

40
33

20

0
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Monday Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday Day
Friday

On what day did they sell the most chocolate milk?

a. Tuesday b. Friday c. Wednesday

 Chocolate Milk Sold

120
112

100

80 76
Amount Sold

72

60
53

40
33

20

0
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Monday Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday Day
Friday

On what day did they sell the most chocolate milk?

c. Wednesday
 Chocolate

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

On what day was the least amount of chocolate milk

sold?
a. Monday b. Tuesday c. Thursday
 Chocolate

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

On what day was the least amount of chocolate milk

sold?
c. Thursday
 Chocolate
120
100
80
Amount Sold

60
40
20
0
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Day

Choc…

On what day did they have a drop in chocolate milk

sales?

a. Thursday b. Tuesday c. Monday

 Chocolate
120
100
80
Amount Sold

60
40
20
0
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Day

Choc…

On what day did they have a drop in chocolate milk

sales?

a. Thursday
 A
CHALLENG Which bar on the graph
represents 45 feet?
E

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
ANSWER:
The blue one.
 LET’S TEST YOUR SKILLS
At Elm Street School students have computer class once a week. The chart
shows the number of minutes each class spends in the computer lab.

Class 3rd 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade

grade
Number of minutes 25 30 35 45
Which is the most appropriate graph of the information
shown in the chart?
45 45
40 40
35 35
30 30
25 25
Elm Elm
20 20
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0
3rd 4th 5th 6th 3rd 4th 5th 6th
 WHAT IS WRONG WITH GRAPH B?
At Elm Street School students have computer class once a week. The
chart shows the number of minutes each class spends in the
computer lab.
Class 3rd 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade
grade
Number of minutes 25 30 35 45

Which is the most appropriate graph of the

information shown in the chart?
45
45
40
40
35
35
30
30
25
25 Elm
Elm 20
20
15
15
10
10
5
5
0
0
3rd 4th 5th 6th
3rd 4th 5th 6th
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU MADE IT!

My brain hurts!
Which type of graph would best show the
growth of the plant?

For a science experiment Joey is measuring the

growth of a bean plant. Joey measures the height
of the plant every Monday for two months.

 A. line graph
 B. circle graph
 C. bar graph
ANSWER:

A. line graph
Create a bar graph with this data on Pro
Basketball players and the colleges they
attended.

North East U West U South Center

U U U

5 4 2 3 4
 ANSWER

Pro Basketball Players

6
5
4
Number of
3
Players
2
1
0
North U East U West U South U Center U
Colleges
 You have a group of data to put into a Pie Chart:
Lemonade 15; Cola 10; Cherry 5; Pepsi 20; Fanta 10
 Explain how you would do it and then draw in the
different segments of the Pie Chart
Thanks for your Attention