Graphical Skills » Doughnut Graphs and Flow Diagrams

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How to create and interpret doughnut graphs
How to construct and analyse flow diagrams
When to use these graphical techniques in geography
How to avoid common mistakes when creating these visual representations
Real-world applications in geographical contexts

Introduction to Graphical Skills: Doughnut Graphs and Flow Diagrams

Maps and diagrams are essential tools for geographers to present data in a clear, visual way. In this session, we'll explore two important graphical techniques: doughnut graphs and flow diagrams. These visual tools help us understand complex geographical information at a glance and are valuable skills for your iGCSE Geography exams.

Key Definitions:

Doughnut Graph: A circular chart with a hole in the middle that shows the proportional relationship between different categories, similar to a pie chart but with enhanced visual features.
Flow Diagram: A graphical representation that shows movement, processes or relationships between different elements using arrows and boxes.
Proportional: Showing the relative size or amount of different categories compared to the whole.

📊 Why Use Graphical Techniques?

Graphical techniques help us to:

Simplify complex information
Identify patterns and trends
Compare different data sets
Communicate findings clearly
Support geographical arguments

📝 Exam Technique

In your iGCSE Geography exam, you might need to:

Interpret existing graphs and diagrams
Create your own visual representations
Use these tools to support your written answers
Explain what the data shows

Doughnut Graphs

Doughnut graphs are circular charts that show how a whole is divided into parts. They're like pie charts but with a hole in the middle, which can be used to display additional information or simply to make the chart more visually appealing.

Creating Effective Doughnut Graphs

A good doughnut graph should be clear, accurate and visually appealing. Here's how to create one:

📈 Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Organise your data into categories and calculate the percentage each category represents of the total. For example, if showing land use in a region, calculate what percentage is urban, agricultural, forest, etc.

📐 Step 2: Draw the Graph

Draw a circle and divide it into segments proportional to your percentages. Each segment should be 3.6° for each 1% (as a circle is 360°). Create a hole in the middle to form the 'doughnut' shape.

🎨 Step 3: Add Details

Use different colours for each segment. Add a key or labels to identify what each segment represents. Include a title that clearly explains what the graph shows.

When to Use Doughnut Graphs

Doughnut graphs are particularly useful for:

Showing the composition of something (e.g., land use, population structure)
Comparing proportions between different categories
Displaying data that adds up to 100%
Presenting information in a visually appealing way

Geographical Applications of Doughnut Graphs

In geography, doughnut graphs can be used to represent various types of data:

🌎 Environmental Geography

Doughnut graphs can show:

Land use in different regions
Sources of pollution
Energy mix (renewable vs non-renewable)
Water usage by different sectors

🏠 Human Geography

Doughnut graphs can represent:

Employment sectors in different countries
Urban vs rural population
Age structure of populations
Migration patterns and reasons

Case Study Focus: Energy Production

A doughnut graph can effectively show the changing energy mix of the UK. The outer ring might show current energy sources (43% gas, 21% nuclear, 29% renewables, 7% other), while the inner ring could show the mix from 10 years ago for comparison. This instantly shows how renewable energy has increased while fossil fuels have decreased.

Flow Diagrams

Flow diagrams show processes, movements or relationships between different elements. They use arrows to indicate direction and boxes or other shapes to represent different components.

Types of Flow Diagrams in Geography

There are several types of flow diagrams you might use in geography:

🔃 Cycle Diagrams

Show processes that repeat in a cycle, such as the water cycle, carbon cycle, or rock cycle. Arrows form a circular pattern to show the continuous nature of the process.

↓ Linear Flow Charts

Show processes that have a clear beginning and end, such as the formation of a landform or the stages of a natural disaster. Arrows move in one general direction.

↔ Systems Diagrams

Show how different elements interact within a system, such as a river basin or urban area. Arrows can move in multiple directions to show complex relationships.

Creating Effective Flow Diagrams

To create a clear and informative flow diagram:

Plan first: Sketch out the main elements and how they connect before creating your final diagram.
Use clear symbols: Boxes for processes or places, arrows for movement or relationships.
Keep it simple: Don't overcomplicate with too many elements or connections.
Use labels: Clearly label each element and consider adding brief explanations along arrows.
Consider using colour: Different colours can help distinguish between different types of processes or elements.

Case Study Focus: River Processes

A flow diagram can effectively show the processes occurring in a river system. Starting with precipitation, the diagram can show how water moves through the drainage basin, including processes like infiltration, throughflow and channel flow. It can then show how these processes lead to erosion, transportation and deposition, ultimately forming various river landforms. This helps visualise the complex interactions in a river system.

Geographical Applications of Flow Diagrams

🌋 Physical Geography

Flow diagrams can show:

Natural cycles (water, carbon, rock)
Formation of landforms
Weather systems and climate processes
Ecosystem energy flows
Coastal processes

🏢 Human Geography

Flow diagrams can represent:

Migration patterns (push and pull factors)
Urban growth processes
Economic development cycles
Tourism impacts
Globalisation of trade

Comparing Doughnut Graphs and Flow Diagrams

While both are valuable graphical tools, they serve different purposes:

🍩 Doughnut Graphs

Best for:

Showing proportions and percentages
Comparing composition of different wholes
Static snapshots of data
Quantitative information

⇨ Flow Diagrams

Best for:

Showing processes and relationships
Explaining how systems work
Demonstrating change over time
Qualitative information

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For doughnut graphs: Not calculating percentages accurately, using too many segments (aim for 7 or fewer), not including a clear key or title.
For flow diagrams: Making them too complex, using unclear arrows, not labelling elements clearly, showing incorrect relationships.
For both: Choosing the wrong type of graph for your data, making them too cluttered, not explaining what they show.

Exam Tip

When answering questions about graphs or diagrams in your exam, remember to:

Look carefully at the data before drawing conclusions
Use specific figures from the graph to support your points
Explain patterns and trends, not just describe them
Consider what the data doesn't show as well as what it does
Link your interpretation to geographical theories or concepts where relevant

Summary

Doughnut graphs and flow diagrams are powerful tools for visualising geographical information. Doughnut graphs help us understand proportional relationships and composition, while flow diagrams show processes, movements and relationships. Both are valuable skills for your iGCSE Geography studies and exams.

Remember that the best graphical technique to use depends on what you're trying to show. Always choose the most appropriate method for your data and ensure your visual representation is clear, accurate and well-labelled.

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!