1800-1849: Beginnings of modern data graphics

Use of coordinate paper in published research (graph of barometric variations)

Idea for continuous log of automatically recorded time series graphs (of temperature and barometric pressure), also recording the maximum and minimum

Invention of the pie chart, and circle graph, used to show part-whole relations

The first large-scale geological map of England and Wales, setting the pattern for geological cartography, and founding stratigraphic geology. Recently called (hyperbolically) "the map that changed the world'' cite{Winchester:2001}. (Smith's map was first drawn in 1801, but the final version was not published until 1815.)

Methods of determining an orbit from at least three observations; presentation of the least squares method

The central limit theorem explains why many distributions tend to be close to the normal distribution. The key ingredient is that the random variable being observed should be the sum or mean of many independent identically distributed random variables.

Charts using subdivided bar graphs, and superimposed squares, showing the relative size of Mexican territories and populations in the colonies

The first weather map was invented by physicist Heinrich Wilhelm Brandes in 1816, based on data collected over several decades.

First graph of isotherms, showing mean temperature around the world by latitude and longitude. Recognizing that temperature depends more on latitude and altitude, a subscripted graph shows the direct relation of temperature on these two variables

Choropleth map with shadings from black to white (distribution and intensity of illiteracy in France), the first (unclassed) choropleth map, and perhaps the first modern statistical map. (This map dates from 1826 cite[Plate 1, vol. 2]{Dupin:1827} according to Robinson cite[p. 232]{Robinson:1982}, rather than 1819 according to Funkhouser cite{Funkhouser:1937})

An increasing number of scientific publications begin to contain graphs and diagrams which describe, but do not analyze, natural phenomena (magnetic variation, weather, tides, etc.)

Ogive or cumulative frequency curve, inhabitants of Paris by age groupings (shows the number of inhabitants of Paris per 10,000 in 1817 who were of a given age or over. The name "ogive'' is due to Galton.)

Mechanical device for calculating mathematical tables (the Difference Engine) [The beginnings of computing as we know it today. The Difference Engine was steam-powered, and the size of a locomotive.]

Gompertz curve, derived to describe expected mortality statistics for a population of organisms whose probability of death increases as a function of time

Choropleth map with shadings from black to white (distribution and intensity of illiteracy in France), the first (unclassed) choropleth map, and perhaps the first modern statistical map

First successful photograph produced (an 8-hour exposure). [A type of asphalt (bitumen of Judea) was coated on metal plates. After exposure it was washed in solvents, the light areas were shown by the bitumen, dark areas by bare metal. Exposed to iodine, the plate darkened in the shadowed areas.]

Mortality curves drawn from empirical data (for Belgium and France)

Polar-area charts (predating those by Florence Nightingale cite{Nightingale:1857}), showing frequency of events for cyclic phenomena

The first comparative choropleth thematic maps, showing crimes against persons and crimes against property in relation to level of instruction by departments in France

Graphical analysis of natural phenomena begins to appear on a regular basis in scientific publications, particularly in England. For example, in 1832, Faraday proposes pictorial representation of electric and magnetic lines of force.

First simple dot map of population by department, 1 dot = 10,000 people

Fitting a smoothed curve to a scatterplot, advocacy of graph paper and graphical methods as standard tools of science. ["The process by which I propose to accomplish this is one essentially graphical; by which term I understand not a mere substitution of geometrical construction and measurement for numerical calculation, but one which has for its object to perform that which no system of calculation can possibly do, by bringing in the aid of the eye and hand to guide the judgment, in a case where judgment only, and not calculation, can be of any avail.'' (p. 178)]

The first comprehensive analysis of data on "moral statistics'' (crimes, suicide, literacy, etc.) shown on thematic unclassed choropleth maps; bar charts (of crime, by age groupings and months)

Graphical rank lists, with lines showing shifts in rank order between categories (rank of types of crime from one age group to the next)

First classed depiction of population density on a world map (using three broad classes in a dasymetric map)

Invention of the stereoscope, revealing the dependence of visual depth perception upon binocular vision, and allowing production of stereoscopic images

First broad and general application of principles of graphic representation to national industrial and population data

Extensive data tabulation, time series, and mapping of prostitutes in Paris

First published flow maps, showing transportation by means of shaded lines, widths proportional to amount (passengers)

Physical atlas of the distribution of plants, animals, climate, etc., one of the most extensive and detailed thematic atlases; most of the maps contained tables, graphs, pictorial profiles of distributions over altitude, and other visual accompanyments

Development of the logistic curve, $ y = k / (1 + C e^{rt})$, to describe the growth of human populations

Invention of the first practical photographic process, using coated plates of metal and glass

Ada Lovelace was known as the first programmer for her work in 1843 with Charles Babbage. She wrote a series of instructions for his proposed machanical computer.

Contour map of a 3D table, temperature x hour x month (published in 1845)

Use of polar coordinates in a graph(frequency of wind directions)

Ethnographic maps showing distribution of ethnic groups throughout the world

"Tableau-graphique'' showing transportation of commercial traffic by variable-width (distance), divided bars (height $sim$ amount), area $sim$ cost of transport [An early form of the mosaic plot.]

Logarithmic grid (the first log-log plot, as a nomogram for showing products from the factors)

Results of sampling from urns shown as symmetrical histograms, with limiting "curve of possibility'' (later called the normal curve)