Figure 1-10 shows a poorly-constructed column chart. The chart's title
is not properly placed and does not reflect the data contained in the
chart; the scale does not have a label. In addition, the designer did
not arrange the columns correctly or use a scale that allowed the columns
to end near the top of the chart. When arranging the columns, you should
arrange them in ascending or descending order, whichever emphasizes the
data on the chart. The columns should end near the top of the chart to
give the appearance of full quantity. However, the term "near the top"
means exactly what it says. You must leave a space between the largest
column and the top of the chart.
Figure 1-11 shows a well-constructed column chart. The title reflects
the data contained in the chart and the designer has correctly positioned
it. The scale has a label that enables the reader to apply values to the
data in the chart, the columns have the correct arrangement, in a
descending order, and the largest columns ends near but not at the top of
the chart.
Figure 1-10.
Poorly-constructed column chart
Figure 1-11.
Well-constructed column chart
1-21
SS0530
Previous Page
