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Treemap
Treemap encodes values as area of nested rectangles for a hierarchy. Ben Shneiderman, University of Maryland, 1991, for disk-space visualization.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits part-to-whole with many leaves and a hierarchy. Skip it when you need precise comparison of similar sizes.
This page gathers anatomy, fit, craft, failure modes and work / ads / school recipes for Treemap.
FormTreemap
Since1991
Encodesarea of nested rectangles…
Best forpart-to-whole with many…
Avoidyou need precise…
StudioCharts
Frequently asked questions
When should I pick Treemap?
When the story is: part-to-whole with many leaves and a hierarchy.
When should I avoid Treemap?
Skip it in cases like: you need precise comparison of similar sizes.
Who invented or popularised it?
Ben Shneiderman, University of Maryland, 1991, for disk-space visualization
What does it encode?
area of nested rectangles for a hierarchy
Is it OK in ads?
Yes if one claim is visible at a glance in Meta, Google and retail print; otherwise link to a full figure.
Will a teacher accept it?
Yes for lab reports and poster boards if axes, units and a source line are present.
Which tool?
Excel or Google Sheets or PowerPoint; export SVG/PDF.
How do I keep it accessible?
Do not rely on hue alone. Label directly and check greyscale.
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Which visual?
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