Graphical excellence is that which gives to the viewer the greatest number of ideas in the shortest time with the least ink in the smallest space.
Edward Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
This post briefly summarizes our thoughts on best practices for designing public-facing data graphics for air quality data. Focus will be on the types of charts we feel are appropriate to use with data (e.g. from low-cost sensors) that may not be as accurate as data collected by monitors using Federal Regulatory or Federal Equivalent Methods (see FRMs/FEMs and Sensors). Visualization types discussed will include:
- maps
- time-series charts
- calendars
- status and forecast tables
Working With Data 