Diagram

Diagram
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A diagram is a two-dimensional geometric symbolic representation of information according to some visualization technique. Sometimes, the technique uses a three-dimensional visualization which is then projected onto the two-dimensional surface. The word graph is sometimes used as a synonym for diagram.

Today, most diagrams are generated using diagramming software.

Contents

Overview

A diagram is a 2D geometric symbolic representation of information according to some visualization technique. Sometimes, the technique uses a 3D visualization which is then projected onto the 2D surface. The term diagram in common sense can have two meanings.

  • visual information device : Like the term "illustration" the diagram is used as a collective term standing for the whole class of technical genres, including graphs, technical drawings and tables.[1]
  • specific kind of visual display : This is only the genre, that show qualitative data with shapes that are connected by lines, arrows, or other visual links.

In science the term is used in both ways. For example Anderson (1997) stated more generally: "diagrams are pictorial, yet abstract, representations of information, and maps, line graphs, bar charts, engineering blueprints, and architects' sketches are all examples of diagrams, whereas photographs and video are not".[2] On the other hand Lowe (1993) defined diagrams as specifically "abstract graphic portrayals of the subject matter they represent".[3]

In the specific sense diagrams and charts contrast computer graphics, technical illustrations, infographics, maps, and technical drawings, by show "abstract rather than literal representations of information".[1] The essences of a diagram can be seen as:[1]

  • a form of visual formatting devices
  • a display that do not show quantitative data, but rather relationships and abstract information
  • with building blocks such as geometrical shapes connected by lines, arrows, or other visual links.

Or in Hall's (1996) words "diagrams are simplified figures, caricatures in a way, intended to convey essential meaning".[4] These simplified figures are often based on set of rules. The basic shape according to White (1984) can be characterized in terms of "elegance, clarity, ease, pattern, simplicity, and validity".[1] The elegance for a start is determined by whether or not the diagram is "the simplest and most fitting solution to a problem".[5]

Main diagram types

There are at least the following types of diagrams:

  • Graph-based diagrams: these take a collection of items and relationships between them, and express them by giving each item a 2D position, while the relationships are expressed as connections between the items or overlaps between the items; examples of such techniques:
  • Chart-like diagram techniques, which display a relationship between two variables that take either discrete or a continuous ranges of values; examples:
  • Other types of diagrams, e.g.,

Thousands of diagram techniques exist. Some more examples follow.

Specific diagram types

A–D

A
B
C
D

List of modeling languages

E–H

E
  • Entity-Relationship diagram (ERD)
  • Event-driven process chain
  • Euler diagram
  • Eye diagram - a diagram of a received telecommunications signal
  • Express-G
  • Extended Functional Flow Block Diagram (EFFBD)
F
G
H

I–L

I
J
K
L
  • Line of balance

M–P

M
N
O
P

R–U

R
  • Radial Diagram
  • Requirement Diagram Used in SysML
  • Rich Picture
S
T
U

V–Z

V
W
  • Warnier-Orr
Y

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Brasseur, Lee E. (2003). Visualizing technical information: a cultural critique. Amityville, N.Y: Baywood Pub. ISBN 0-89503-240-6. 
  2. ^ Michael Anderson (1997). "Introduction to Diagrammatic Reasoning". Retrieved 21 July 2008.
  3. ^ Lowe, Richard K. (1993). "Diagrammatic information: techniques for exploring its mental representation and processing". Information Design Journal 7 (1): 3–18. doi:10.1075/idj.7.1.01low. 
  4. ^ Bert S. Hall (1996). "The Didactic and the Elegant: Some Thoughts on Scientific and Technological Illustrations in the Middle Ages and Renaissance". in: B. Braigie (ed.) Picturing knowledge: historical and philosophical problems concerning the use of art in science. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. p.9
  5. ^ White, Jan V. (1984). Using charts and graphs: 1000 ideas for visual persuasion. New York: Bowker. ISBN 0-8352-1894-5. 
  6. ^ HIPO diagram

Further reading

  • Bounford, Trevor (2000). Digital diagrams. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications. ISBN 9780823015726. 
  • Michael Anderson, Peter Cheng, Volker Haarslev (Eds.) (2000). Theory and Application of Diagrams: First International Conference, Diagrams 2000. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, September 1–3, 2000. Proceedings.


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  • diagram — di‧a‧gram [ˈdaɪəgræm] noun [countable] a drawing or plan that shows where something is, what it looks like, or how it works: • See the attached diagram for details on current market projections. • a diagram of the electrical system ˈblock… …   Financial and business terms

  • diagram — [dī′ə gram΄] n. [Gr diagramma < diagraphein, to mark out by lines, draw < dia (see DIA ) + graphein, to write (see GRAPHIC)] 1. a geometric figure, used to illustrate a mathematical statement, proof, etc. 2. a sketch, drawing, or plan that… …   English World dictionary

  • Diagram — Di a*gram, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to mark out by lines; dia through + ? to draw, write: cf. F. diagramme. See {Graphic}.] 1. (Geom.) A figure or drawing made to illustrate a statement, or facilitate a demonstration; a plan. [1913 Webster] 2. Any simple …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Diagram — Di a*gram, v. t. To put into the form of a diagram. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • diagram — n outline, draft, tracing, sketch, delineation, plot, blueprint (see under SKETCH vb) Analogous words: design, *plan, plot, scheme diagram vb outline, plot, blueprint, draft, trace, *sketch, delineate Analogous words: design, plan, plot, scheme… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • diagram — verb, meaning ‘to represent by means of a diagram’ (the outline is diagrammed on the cover), has the forms diagrammed, diagramming, diagrammatic. In AmE the verbal forms are often diagramed, diagraming …   Modern English usage

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  • diagram — index blueprint, characterize, contour (outline), delineate, delineation, depict, design (construction plan) …   Law dictionary

  • diagram — (n.) 1610s, from Fr. diagramme, from L. diagramma, from Gk. diagramma geometric figure, that which is marked out by lines, from diagraphein mark out by lines, delineate, from dia across, out (see DIA (Cf. dia )) + graphein write, mark, draw (see… …   Etymology dictionary

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