Grafiek

Grafiek is a visual representation used to convey data or relationships. In Dutch, the term covers both charts used to present data and mathematical graphs that depict relations between variables. A grafiek aims to reveal patterns, trends, or structures more quickly than raw numbers.

Common types include linegrafiek (line graph) for trends over time; staafgrafiek or kolomgrafiek (bar/column chart) for comparing categories; cirkeldiagram or taartdiagram (pie chart) for proportional parts; histogram for distributions; spreidingsdiagram (scatter plot) for relationships between two variables; area grafiek (area chart) as an extension of the line chart with filled area.

Elements typically comprise axes (x- and y-), scales, labels with units, a legend, a title, and gridlines. Good practice involves choosing a chart type that matches the data, starting scales at zero when appropriate, avoiding misleading distortions, and using color palettes accessible to colorblind viewers.

Historically, graphs emerged during the development of statistical graphics in the 18th and 19th centuries. William Playfair is often credited with inventing several common forms, including the line graph, the bar chart, and the pie chart. In mathematics, grafiek also denotes a graph, a structure of vertices connected by edges used to model networks and relations.

Today, grafieken are produced with spreadsheet programs, charting software, and programming libraries, enabling interactive, animated, and scalable visualizations for science, business, journalism, and education.