The following diagram explains when different chart types can be used.
Do you want to compare value sizes? | Does your data have long labels? |  | |
Do you want to show rankings? |  | ||
Do you need to look at continuous values/ trends over time? |  | ||
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Do you need to look at correlation (or lack of) between data sets? |  | ||
Do you want to view proportions? | Is the data multi-dimensional? | Is proportion more important? |  |
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Are absolute values more important? |  | ||
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Is the data single dimensional? |  | ||
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Is the data hierarchical? |  | ||
Are you looking at multiple performance measures? |  | ||
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Are you looking at a single value? | Is the range where the value falls important? |  | |
Is only the current value important? |  | ||
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Is the data geographical? | Is the precise location important? |  | |
Is loose clustering more important? |  | ||
Are the exact values important? |  | ||
Are you looking at completion stages? |  | ||
Do you want to view data in a progressive order? |  | ||
Do you want to know what the most important characteristics are? (separate module is required) |  | ||