Basic Plotting and Customization With Matplotlib
Basic Plotting and Customization
Basic plotting is the foundation of data visualization. It serves as the first step in
transforming raw data into meaningful insights.
There are two types of basic plots:
• Line Chart
• Bar Chart
Line Charts
• A line chart is a type of chart that
displays information using a series of
data points called markers, connected
by straight line segments. It is often used
to visualise trends over a continuous
interval or time span.
• In a line chart, data points are
connected by lines, making it easy to
observe the overall trajectory.
Alt text: Line Chart
Line Charts Purpose and Application
• Purpose: Line charts are employed to showcase trends and patterns over a
continuous set of data points.
• Application: Useful for tracking changes over time, illustrating the progression of
variables, or identifying correlations.
• Matplotlib Function: The plot() function is used to create line charts, providing
flexibility in terms of styling and representation.
Bar Charts
• This type of chart presents categorical
data with rectangular bars. Each bar's
length or height is proportional to the data
it represents. Bar charts can be used to
compare the values of different
categories.
• In a bar chart, each category is
represented by a bar, the length of which
corresponds to the value it represents.
Alt text: Bar Chart
Bar Charts: Characteristics
• Purpose: Bar charts are designed for comparing categorical data or displaying
the distribution of values across different groups.
• Application: Ideal for visualising disparities between groups, such as comparing
sales figures across regions or displaying the frequency of specific categories.
• Matplotlib Function: The bar() function, along with its variations, enables the
creation of effective bar charts.
Customizing Plots with Matplotlib
• Customizing plots refers to the process of modifying the visual appearance and
layout of graphs and charts to better suit the specific requirements, preferences,
or storytelling goals of the data analyst, scientist, or audience. This involves
adjusting various elements of a plot, such as colours, line styles, markers, fonts,
labels, titles, axes, etc.
• Customization plays a pivotal role in data visualization, allowing you to tailor
plots to convey information more effectively and make them visually appealing.
The goal is to enhance the clarity, readability, and visual appeal of the data
visualisation.
Importance of Customizing Plots
• Enhancing Interpretation: Customization enhances the interpretability of visualizations.
Distinct colours, markers, and line styles make it easier for viewers to differentiate
between data series.
• Aesthetics and Readability: Aesthetically pleasing visualisations are more likely to
engage and inform the audience. Customization improves the readability of the chart.
• Contextual Information: Titles, axis labels, and legends provide contextual information.
Viewers can quickly understand the purpose of the chart, the variables being
represented, and the significance of different elements.
Importance of Customizing Plots
• Communication of Insights: By customising elements, you can draw attention to
specific details, emphasise trends, or highlight outliers, effectively communicating
insights derived from the data.
• Tailoring to Audience: Customization allows you to tailor visualizations to the
preferences and expectations of your audience. Different audiences may require
different levels of detail or specific stylistic choices.
