A slope graph is a data visualization composed of discrete categories arranged along an axis, with two (or more) time points or states represented as columns of values, and straight lines connecting the values within each category to show direction and magnitude of change. The parameters are: (1) discrete categories (nominal axis), (2) two or more ordinal positions representing states or time points, (3) values at each position for each category, and (4) straight line segments connecting values across positions. The persistence mechanism is visual design convention established through publication and teaching in data communication practice. The slope graph trades data density for directional clarity, serving as a deliberate simplification of the multi-line chart. [formal: graphus slope | substrate: mind | horizon: a moment | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
slope graph
A slope graph is a data visualization composed of discrete categories arranged along an axis, with two (or more) time points or states represented as columns of values, and straight lines connecting the values within each category to show…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A slope graph is a human-made data visualization technique that displays comparisons between two or more states (typically start and end) across discrete categories using simple straight lines connecting the values. Designed by human chart designers to make directional change legible at a glance, it persists through visual design conventions and published examples in data communication practice.
Names and aliases
- slope graphen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrvfy7ya011u2ceilq543hu4INSTANCE_OF →
A slope graph IS a specific kind of plot: data points connected by lines to visualize change across states. Per Law 9 (specific→general) and Law 11e, nearest kind is 'plot'. The previously filed slope graph→chart was a leap — chart is reachable via plot→chart ladder. A competent speaker would call a slope graph 'a plot'.
- cmrwtsjdk01bssoacqpw9gujfINSTANCE_OF →
Slope graph IS a specific kind of line chart: it shows change between two time points using simple line segments connecting values. A competent speaker would call a slope graph a type of line chart. Specific→general.
Relations to this entry
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Record identity
- Created
- Aug 3, 2026, 11:03 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 54e1a3d4fb30af57a848144330b2b3f515afc08b5b2ea957aebe327865261471