Diagrams (Cambridge International IGCSE Geography)

Flow diagrams

Spec point — "Candidates should be able to: • select, present, construct and communicate data through appropriate graphs, charts and diagrams using relevant scales and annotations to present information • extract, interpret, analyse and evaluate information presented on graphs, charts and diagrams • identify and evaluate variations, trends and patterns from data provided."

Flow Diagrams

• Flow diagrams are used to show the movements or flows of people, goods, or materials

• Desire lines are used to show the general direction of movement on a base map using lines

• More detailed information is shown in flow line diagrams

  • The lines can be used to show quantity (by the thickness of the line)

Pictograms

Spec point — "Candidates should be able to: • select, present, construct and communicate data through appropriate graphs, charts and diagrams using relevant scales and annotations to present information • extract, interpret, analyse and evaluate information presented on graphs, charts and diagrams • identify and evaluate variations, trends and patterns from data provided."

Pictograms

• Pictograms are a way of displaying data using symbols or diagrams drawn to scale
• Useful way of showing data if accuracy is not too important and data is discrete
• Years do not need to be continuous
• Symbols do not need to be whole but can represent a proportion
• A key is needed to show if the total number of objects or events that image represents exceeds one

How to read a pictogram

• Step 1: Read the problem carefully and identify the specific information requested from the pictogram
• Step 2: Count the symbols corresponding to the desired information and report the count

Example of a pictogram

Venn Diagrams

Spec point — "Candidates should be able to: • select, present, construct and communicate data through appropriate graphs, charts and diagrams using relevant scales and annotations to present information • extract, interpret, analyse and evaluate information presented on graphs, charts and diagrams • identify and evaluate variations, trends and patterns from data provided."

Venn Diagrams

• Venn diagrams can be used to visualise and compare information

• A Venn diagram is an illustration which uses overlapping circles

• They can be used to:

  • Illustrate similarities and differences for example between urban and rural areas
  • Show relationships between sets of data

Proportional Symbols

Spec point — "Candidates should be able to: • select, present, construct and communicate data through appropriate graphs, charts and diagrams using relevant scales and annotations to present information • extract, interpret, analyse and evaluate information presented on graphs, charts and diagrams • identify and evaluate variations, trends and patterns from data provided."

Proportional Symbols

• The symbols on the map are drawn in proportion to the variable represented
• Usually, a circle or square is used but it could be an image
• Can be used to show a range of data, for example, population, wind farms and electricity they generate, traffic or pedestrian flows

Example of a proportional symbol map