Graphs are important for an encyclopaedia[edit]

I am surprised that this project page did not exist given the importance of graphs for an encyclopaedia. The probably should be a Wikipedia:WikiProject Graphs to coordinate the task of getting consistent looking graphs throughout Wikipedia. -- Alan Liefting (talk) - 07:32, 18 September 2008 (UTC)[reply]


I agree completely. I struggled for a long while to find any free application in MacOSX which is able to export charts into .svg. When i finally found something (https://www.gliffy.com/ , trial 15 days) now i do not know what colours or design types should i use to be compatible with wikipedia other articles.

Thinks i am missing:

  1. What colours should i be using, what is the accepted colour palette. (Consider accessible colors?)
  2. General guidelines what is the preferred style for organisations charts/tree charts/graphs of different type. (Rounded corners? Drop shadow? Gradient? How to name a legend/description?)
  3. There is talk about Vega-based graphing system, there is no mention anywhere what it is
  4. Maybe list of a) free, b) easy to use c) with SVG export capability applications for Windows/LinuxMacOSX. For ex. LibreDraw is not a possibility because of lack of export to svg, Inkscape on MacOSX depends on Xorg libraries which is not ideal from administrator point of view and also is not ideal for graphs. It was hard to find any easy to use free application with svg export - Regards , Patpi (talk) 08:07, 21 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Using on-the-fly generated graphics?[edit]

I just found the google chart project. Is it possible to use graphics generated by this engine without uploading it to commons? As an example I made a graphics on crude oil, one in german, one in english:

http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=p3&chtt=Erdoel-%7CZusammensetzung&chs=400x150&chd=t:85,15,1,1,1&chl=Kohlenstoff%7CWasserstoff%7CSauerstoff%7CSchwefel%7CStickstoff&chco=606060,0060d0,d00000,ffff00,00c000 http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=p3&chtt=Composition+of%7CCrude+Oil&chs=400x150&chd=t:85,15,1,1,1&chl=Carbon%7CHydrogen%7COxygen%7CSulfur%7CNitrogen&chco=606060,0060d0,d00000,ffff00,00c000

All information is present in the URL, from which the image is generated. There are much more types of graphics on the project page http://code.google.com/apis/chart/ which could ease keeping graphs, statistics, charts, maps, etc. up to date. -- Georg-Johann (talk) 14:21, 23 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

A similar pie chart, as a Graph:Chart with parameters that any Wikipedian can edit: No upload of graphic required. Uwappa (talk) 07:59, 28 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Requested move[edit]

The following discussion is an archived discussion of the proposal. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. No further edits should be made to this section.

No consensus to move. Vegaswikian (talk) 17:58, 23 October 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia:Graphs → Wikipedia:Charts – 19:04, 16 October 2011 (UTC)

The above discussion is preserved as an archive of the proposal. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page. No further edits should be made to this section.

Bars within bars[edit]

What if I want to put a bar or two in a diagram with several bars where I want to put information of what a bar contains?

As an example, in religion you have several sections of those religions.

Religion in Utopia 2019
[1]
Religious
 
 90%
Christian
 
 85%
Catholic
 
 45%
Protestant
 
 40%
Orthedox
 
 15%
Other
 
 10%
  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference 2019-census was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

Here I have put up 90% of the Utopia as religious in 2019, and of those religious, 85% are Christian, and of those, three religions are listed up as percentage of Christians and the remaining 10% are other religions or irreligious. I feel I should put that up in another fashion, but I'm not sure how. Jørgen88 (talk) 09:50, 5 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

you could always add a horizontal separator and create a second graph with the break down of the denominations. Frietjes (talk) 17:02, 5 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]
Given the 3 different types of percentages, I suggest you split this into 3 small charts:

or, limit the hierarchy to just two levels, create a stacked bar chart:

Uwappa (talk) 09:22, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Line graphs charts[edit]

How do I enter negative values in a line graph, or sub-integral units on the y axis? Say the range of values is −1 to +1, and I need lines every y=0.1. — kwami (talk) 22:07, 22 January 2013 (UTC)[reply]

are you asking about ((Line chart)) or <timeline>...</timeline>? Frietjes (talk) 22:46, 22 January 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Chart. Sorry. — kwami (talk) 23:04, 22 January 2013 (UTC)[reply]
there is/was a bug in that template when y_min is less than zero. I will see if I can fix it in a moment. Frietjes (talk) 00:32, 23 January 2013 (UTC)[reply]
I was able to fix the y_min less than zero bug, but the non-integer increment is going to be a problem
Integer increments Non-integer increments 
((Line chart
| color_background = white
| width = 500
| height = 350
| padding_left = 40
| padding_right = 15
| padding_top = 10
| padding_bottom = 20
| number_of_series = 1
| number_of_x-values = 5
| label_x1 = Val. 1 | label_x2 = Val. 2 | label_x3 = Val. 3 | label_x4 = Val. 4 | label_x5 = Val. 5
| y_max =  10
| y_min = -10
| scale = yes
| interval_primary_scale = 10
| interval_secondary_scale = 1
| S01V01 = 0 | S01V02 = 5 | S01V03 = 10 | S01V04 = 0 | S01V05 = -10
| points = yes
))
 
((Line chart
| color_background = white
| width = 500
| height = 350
| padding_left = 40
| padding_right = 15
| padding_top = 10
| padding_bottom = 20
| number_of_series = 1
| number_of_x-values = 5
| label_x1 = Val. 1 | label_x2 = Val. 2 | label_x3 = Val. 3 | label_x4 = Val. 4 | label_x5 = Val. 5
| y_max =  1
| y_min = -1
| scale = yes
| interval_primary_scale = 1
| interval_secondary_scale = 0.1
| S01V01 = 0 | S01V02 = 0.5 | S01V03 = 1.0 | S01V04 = 0.0 | S01V05 = -1.0
| points = yes
))

Frietjes (talk) 00:41, 23 January 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks! That solves the more important problem. — kwami (talk) 04:40, 23 January 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Creating a guideline for graphs and charts on articles[edit]

Closing per request at WP:ANRFC. The scope of this discussion focused on finding some common ground on factors that should be considered when using a graph to illustrate a data trend. So, to be clear, while this RfC is not going to define the exact guidelines surrounding graphs, it will illustrate some considerations:
  • MOS and guidelines for conventional images (e.g. WP:IMAGE, WP:OI) are not (currently) sufficient on their own to guide decisions in how we should make graphs.
  • Kerry_Raymond's idea of breaking this down was by 1) examining the source(s) from which the data came, and 2) examining the way the data are presented visually. This two-factor approach seems like a reasonable way conceptualize the issue. There was consensus that many relevant policies are already in place. As graphs take on a similar role as prose in that they present information/relationships/trends about a subject, policies regarding verifiability of the data, original research, and maintaining a neutral presentation of the data still remain relevant.
  • Citations for graphs are, by definition, necessary, as the data need to be verifiable.
  • Editors who create graphs that pull data from multiple sources need to tread carefully in that they should avoid manufacturing new arguments or comparisons not explicitly discussed in the source material. Editor meta-analysis (i.e. drawing your own conclusions from independent data sources) is textbook synthesis and is also not permitted. Graphs should not be constructed to imply such comparisons.
  • Some resources already written may be helpful in creating policy around visualization. Wikipedia:Don't draw misleading graphs and even our own article on misleading graphs are instructive. I, JethroBT drop me a line 17:56, 2 April 2014 (UTC)[reply]
This seems like a good start, but there are indeed other considerations (e.g. WP:RS was not really discussed here) that need to get fleshed out. A broader RfC will be necessary, and I'd recommend that a draft be created in preparation, so that the focus of the RfC can be on constructing the policy rather than on just the ideas. I, JethroBT drop me a line 17:56, 2 April 2014 (UTC)[reply]

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

We currently do not have a policy nor a guideline for charts and graphs. We are currently having a difficult time reaching consensus at Talk:Alejandro García Padilla due to several graphs being included on the article that portray the economic activity and employment during the governor's tenure. The same thing happened with Barack Obama and File:US EmpStatsBLS Jan09-Feb13.png where this graph was discussed at Talk:Barack Obama/Archive 77#Labor force participation rate. We do the same for George W. Bush and File:Deficits vs. Debt Increases - 2009.png. Unfortunately, as we don't have a guideline specifically for this, we are reaching a stalemate where neither side is right nor wrong.

We need to fix this problem.

We need to move things forward and establish a guideline on how graphs should be prepared; specifically regarding data trends and their sources. We should also take in consideration graphs prepared from data where the data is shown "as is" but the graph per se has not been published by a reliable source. In other words: we have the raw data, but then an editor creates a graph from such raw data even though no one else has published said graph before. For example, File:US EmpStatsBLS Jan09-Feb13.png was drawn from raw data extracted from [1] & [2] — nobody else in the world has published such graph except us, but the graph can be extrapolated from the raw data published by the reliable source.

This is the only page on all of Wikipedia where this subject is discussed, but as of today, it is merely a project page written back in 2008. Right now, our policies and guidelines do not establish how graphs should or can be prepared as an official guideline (this page is NOT official as of this writing). Finally, our policies and guidelines do not prohibit creating graphs from WP:PRIMARYSOURCES but several people are concerned on whether this should be done on WP:BLPs or not.

Relevant policies and guidelines for this discussion include:

Let's start a discussion on this RFC to reach consensus and set up the way for future editors.

The question is: how should graphs on Wikipedia be created?

—Ahnoneemoos (talk) 17:49, 22 December 2013 (UTC)[reply]

[Other policies and guidelines] developed as solutions to common problems and disruptive editing.

Which is what we are trying to do here: having a discussion about this issue and find out what's the best course of action (whatever that may be; which as you have pointed out may be to do nothing about it).
We are not trying to fix the outcome of a discussion. We are trying to have a discussion about our current incongruences and lack of consensus across Wikipedia. Consensus on these matters seem to be local right now and we need a systemwide guideline that editors can point to and say: "oh, this is what our guidelines advise, therefore we should attempt to do things this way." (whatever that 'way' may be)
—Ahnoneemoos (talk) 14:58, 10 December 2013 (UTC)[reply]
:I agree with Kerry about the need to use graphs and the breakdown between source and visualization. It occurs to me that there are many guidelines and policies already in place that relate to these issues, but it is probably not clear that WP:CITE and WP:NPOV, for eample, should also be applied to graphics. That part of the problem might be solved rather quickly by creating a guidelines page for graphics and linking to WP guidelines and policies that also apply to graphics. Any novel agreed-upon additions could then be made as consensus is achieved. Meclee (talk) 23:42, 19 December 2013 (UTC)[reply]
The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Consider accessible colors[edit]

Please consider a section that talks about using accessible colors. People with color vision deficiency prefer clear colors with clear contrast. It might be prettier to use shading and gradients, but consider that some colors that look far apart for non-color vision deficient people look very close for others and gradients make it even more ambigious. Especially red and green are problematic. There it is best to choose high contrast colors but also use brightness and use full color intensity (instead of pale or dark colors). This is a big problem in Wikipedia in many articles and raising awareness of this would help a lot. Also remember that graphic representation makes things easier to understand, than text or symbolic representation. So colors should still be used, and not just some alternate symbolic coding (like numbers to point at sections of images). Ideally there would be a color contrast check, and a guide to choose appropriate colors that is shown before people use graphics or upload them. Thanks a lot. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.219.148.137 (talk) 09:21, 23 May 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Tech talk on the new graph system[edit]

Hello everyone,

There's an upcoming talk about the new Vega-based graphing system this week. It's 13:00 PDT on Thursday, 14 May, which I think works out to 21:00 UTC. If you're interested, the link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7DTn9jHnI0 That link might work afterwards, too; they often record these kinds of talks. There should be a demo as well as some technical information about how the system is built. Whatamidoing (WMF) (talk) 02:02, 13 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Comment removed from project page[edit]

So in 2014 someone added a comment that looks like it belongs on the talk page to the project page. I have removed it. Here's the diff where it was added]. ~ ONUnicorn(Talk|Contribs)problem solving 18:14, 15 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Logarithmic graphs?[edit]

1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
1998
2002
2006
2010
2014
Global cumulative offshore capacity (in megawatts).

Is there an easy way to display data in a logarithmic way? Some graphs include several orders of magnitude, showing both very small and very large numbers. Small numbers disappear in the shadow of the large numbers. Examples: Solar_power#Development_and_deployment and Offshore_wind_power#History.

Same graph in logarithmic (hand calculated, and showing logarithmic numbers, not original data) :

1
2
3
4
1998
2002
2006
2010
2014
Global cumulative offshore capacity (in Logarithmic megawatts ;-) ).

Obviously the vertical numbers should be thousands, not logarithmic. TGCP (talk) 23:21, 18 November 2015 (UTC)[reply]

A logarithmic scale would be very useful when considering data involving an exponential-style rise (or fall) beyond merely gazing at pretty colours. Not just your example, but such as during the current/recent pandemic... I've just tried adding y scale = log, as a guess, but to no effect. Variants such as yscale = log, or logarithmic didn't work either, and yarble scale = log evoked that text at bottom right. NickyMcLean (talk) 00:37, 7 April 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Ah. Someone knew from somewhere, that the magic statement is "yScaleType=log" Who'd have guessed? NickyMcLean (talk) 07:06, 10 April 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Complex Interactive graphs now available on Wiki[edit]

Hi, we now have Graph extension on all wikis, allowing interactive and other graphs. Also, there are now a few templates based on it, like ((Graph:Chart)) and ((Graph:PieChart)). Documentation and funky template contribution help is welcome :) --Yurik (talk) 18:42, 29 December 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Centering a pie chart[edit]

How do I get pie charts to lie next to each other? I can put "float =left" on one and "float=right" on the other but what if I have 3 I want alongside each other?Patapsco913 (talk) 21:04, 19 October 2018 (UTC)[reply]

See source of these 3 charts, Uwappa (talk) 00:12, 27 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Requesting help[edit]

Could someone please get me going on number this list with # signs instead of typing in the actual numbers? If something is added or deleted, then the # signs keep the numbers in order. I have tried so many things before requesting help here. Thank you--Wyn.junior (talk) 18:48, 3 March 2019 (UTC)[reply]

@Wyn.junior: You might get more help by asking at Help talk:Table. And your link needs to be fixed. It is not working:
Draft:List of official languages by sovereign state
--Timeshifter (talk) 09:30, 7 April 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Why are graphs still disabled[edit]

Hi everyone, Why are graphs still “temporarily disabled” after almost 3 months, does anyone know when a fix is coming?

TapticInfo (talk) 22:12, 5 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Tracked in Phabricator
Task T334940
As far as I understand it is a serious security issue related to javascript insertion that could have harmed devices of millions of users. Charts require javascript for mouseover effects.
  • My shortterm suggestion would be: Skip the mouseover effects, generate charts as static PNG images on server side where javascript does not even exist.
  • For long term: restore mouse over effects with CSS for SVG images, still generated on server side.
No date of fix known yet. See T334940 in Phabricator. Uwappa (talk) 08:29, 6 July 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Now it's November and more than half a year has passed... Just a random Wikipedian(talk) 09:34, 4 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
There should be a timeline posted sometime in the next week per mw:Extension:Graph/Plans#FAQ. Sincerely, Novo Tape (She/Her)My Talk Page 18:31, 4 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Now still not have a timeline, but I think these problems would persist until March-April 2024. Just a random Wikipedian(talk) 02:48, 13 November 2023 (UTC)[reply]
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