Page 143 - DCAP104_EXPOSURE_TO_COMPUTER_DISCPLINES

Exposure to Computer Disciplines

Notes Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

• Explain information graphics.
• Discuss multimedia.

• Understand graphics file format.

• Explain getting images into computer.
• Discuss graphic software.

Introduction

Graphics (from Greek γραϕικος graphikos) are visual presentations on some surface, such
′
as a wall, canvas, computer screen, paper, or stone to brand, inform, illustrate, or entertain.
Examples are photographs, drawings, Line Art, graphs, diagrams, typography, numbers,
symbols, geometric designs, maps, engineering drawings, or other images. Graphics often
combine text, illustration, and color. Graphic design may consist of the deliberate selection,
creation, or arrangement of typography alone, as in a brochure, flier, poster, web site, or
book without any other element. Clarity or effective communication may be the objective,
association with other cultural elements may be sought, or merely, the creation of a
distinctive style.
Graphics can be functional or artistic. The latter can be a recorded version, such as a
photograph, or an interpretation by a scientist to highlight essential features, or an artist, in
which case the distinction with imaginary graphics may become blurred.

Multimedia may be viewed by person on stage, projected, transmitted, or played locally with
a media player. A broadcast may be a live or recorded multimedia presentation. Broadcasts
and recordings can be either analog or digital electronic media technology. Digital online
multimedia may be downloaded or streamed. Streaming multimedia may be live or on-
demand.

7.1 Information Graphics

Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data
or knowledge. These graphics present complex information quickly and clearly, such as in
signs, maps, journalism, technical writing, and education. With an information graphic,
computer scientists, mathematicians, and statisticians develop and communicate concepts
using a single symbol to process information.
Following are information graphics subjects.
7.1.1 Visual Devices

Information graphics are visual devices intended to communicate complex information quickly
and clearly. The devices include, according to Doug Newsom (2004), charts, diagrams, graphs,
tables, maps and lists. Among the most common devices are horizontal bar charts, vertical
column charts, and round or oval pie charts, that can summarize a lot of statistical information.
Diagrams can be used to show how a system works, and may be an organizational chart that

136 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY