Visualization types
Scatter Plot
Also known as: scatterplot, scatter graph, scatter chart, scattergram, scatter diagram
A scatter plot is a two-dimensional chart that shows the relationship between two variables.
To do this, a series of values are plotted on an x-axis and a y-axis, with each axis representing a variable and each value representing a dot. Scatter plots often include an explanatory variable, such as years of education, and what might be considered a response variable, such as annual income. When the dots are plotted against these two axes, scatter plots communicate the strength and type of relationship that exists between these variables.
Guidance
In addition to the guidance provided in this section, relevant guidance can also be found in the Agency Logo, Axes, Colors, Grids, Labels, Legends, Source, Titles, Typography sections.
Requirements
Always
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Include a legend if more than one set of values is being visualized.
Never
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Never overlap labels for points.
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Never use complex symbols as point markers.
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Never include more than 2 sets of values.
Recommendations
Recommended
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The title should explain the unit of analysis.
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Include point labels or markers for specific observations.
Not Recommended
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Don’t use a scatter plot chart if there are an excessive number of overlapping values.