Information Visualization: Semiology of Graphics

Information Visualization
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Information Visualization
Introduction
Semiology of graphics refers to the study of signs and symbols, including their use or interpretation. In 1967, Jacques Bertin published his book Semiology Graphique. The books present numerous theoretic principles applied in the starting point of understanding information visualization in research. Additionally, Bertin managed to create a comprehensive conceptual framework that guides, critiques and analyzes the construction of information graphics. Visualization of data is a central factor in the way people digest and consume information. Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in charts' utilization to explain important information. Moreover, the human mind is known to process information visually and effectively. Elementary perceptual tasks are things that individuals are required to complete whenever they are observing charts. These perceptual tasks assist the user in comprehending the data visualization being used in a particular graph. Notably, the level of perception differs between individuals and is usually affected by the person's skill level or cognitive abilities (Bertin, 1967).
In interpreting visual information, data visualization plays an essential role in science and daily work. This ensures that decision-makers can observe analytic that is presented visually. In this regard, they can understand the complex issues being presented and understand the patterns that define the visualization's trends or meaning. Processing of information is easier using graphical representations and provides faster ways of understanding critical information. According to Bertin, there are several components in the interpretation of graphical information. The information deduced is based on a series of observed correspondences through a series of limited concepts. Within the graphical representation, all the correspondences must relate to a common invariable factor. The invariable factor is known as the invariant and is usually explicit within the graph's title (Bertin, 1967).
The other components of the graphical information that are contrary to the invariant are the variable concepts. There are cases where the variable components are also included in the title of the graphical representation. Regarding the perceptual tasks, we can see that visual variableness is an important factor in the understanding of information used in graphical representation. There are 3 main types of signification regarding implantations, which are point, line, and area. In this analysis, we analyze the graphs by identifying the informational variant and informational components. Further, we will identify the elementary perceptual tasks with information components, the visual variableness, and the implantations (Bertin, 1967).
Graph 1: Evolution of savings deposits into the Italian post office (1877 to 1881) by Antonio Gabaglio
The main informational components in this graph include the invariant and invariant. The rectangles are arranged in a spiral shape, and the width represents the number of postal savings deposits issues until that per...