6  Plotting data

Learning objectives

6.1 Context

We now have a good grasp of how data is commonly structured, with variables in columns and observations in rows. This is the perfect format for visualising data.

6.2 Introducing plotting

To create a plot we’ll need three things:

1. data
2. mapping aesthetics
3. specify the type of plot

R

Python

6.2.1 Start plotting

• LO: plotting with ggplot2

6.2.2 Building up plots

• LO: layering plots

library(tidyverse)

surveys <- read_csv("data/surveys.csv")

ggplot(data = surveys,
       mapping = aes(x = weight, y = hindfoot_length)) +
  geom_point()

6.2.3 Changing plots

• LO: changing aesthetics (colour, fill, transparency, size)

6.3 Summary

Key points