Creating an effective point chart (or scatter point chart in case more than one variable is specified) involves adhering to several best practices to ensure
clarity, accuracy, and usability. Here are some key guidelines:
Keep it simple :
Avoid adding too many data points to the chart, as this will compromise its readability. For example, while the chart can handle easily hundreds of
thousand of data points, plotting such a dataset will most likely result in a point cloud. Consider using sampling or clustering techniques to reduce the number of
visible data points.
Use consistent colors:
If a fourth dimension of data is not required, you can use colors that have sufficient contrast from the chart background - for example darker colors
on a white background or vice versa. You should also avoid close colors if you plot different data sets as this can also compromise legibility.
Choose correct axis scale:
For datasets with values that differ drastically in magnitude, consider using a logarithmic scale to present the data more concisely.