This chapter described four classes of graphics: the data maps; time series; narrative graphics of space and time and the relational graphics.
In my opinion, the design in two dimensional flat graphics is the exploration of using two axis. When the acts as a simple variable, it is data map. for the time, they are time series. for other parameter, it is relational. and for more complex related to time, they are narrative.
at the end, the author gives the standard of excellence:
Graphical excellence is the well-designed presentation of interesting data - a matter of substance, of statistics, and of design.
Graphical excellence consists of complex ideas communicated with clarity, precision, and efficiency.
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.
引自 Graphical excellence
表示其中内容是对原文的摘抄