Need for data

Most organisations collect data.

This is particularly true for National Statistical Offices — they exist purely to collect, analyse and report information about the state of their countries -- but the functions of many other national and international organisations rely on similar data. For example,

In all cases, the raw data only become useful when they provide meaningful information about issues of importance.

Data presentation

It is important that the information extracted from data is effectively conveyed to others. Data (and information from data) are usually presented in reports and other publications. This chapter describes the main tools and principles for presenting data in tables, graphs, maps, and in paragraphs of descriptive text.

Collecting data

Data presentation is the last step in a longer process. Deciding the types of value to collect and analyse for any particular purpose is non-trivial but important. The mechanism used to collect the data also has a strong influence on the accuracy and reliability of the resulting conclusions.

The types of measurement that are appropriate for any purpose and how data are collected are critically important. However these topics will not be discussed until later sections.