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A diagram is a symbolic representation of information according to some visualization technique. Diagrams have been used since ancient times, but became more prevalent during the Enlightenment. Sometimes, the technique uses a three-dimensional visualization which is then projected onto a two-dimensional surface. The word ''graph'' is sometimes used as a synonym for diagram. == Overview == The term diagram in its commonly used sense can have a general or specific meaning: * ''visual information device'' : Like the term "illustration" the diagram is used as a collective term standing for the whole class of technical genres, including graphs, technical drawings and tables.〔 * ''specific kind of visual display'' : This is the genre that shows qualitative data with shapes that are connected by lines, arrows, or other visual links. In science the term is used in both ways. For example Anderson (1997) stated more generally: "diagrams are pictorial, yet abstract, representations of information, and maps, line graphs, bar charts, engineering blueprints, and architects' sketches are all examples of diagrams, whereas photographs and video are not".〔Michael Anderson (1997). ("Introduction to Diagrammatic Reasoning" ). Retrieved 21 July 2008.〕 On the other hand Lowe (1993) defined diagrams as specifically "abstract graphic portrayals of the subject matter they represent". In the specific sense diagrams and charts contrast with computer graphics, technical illustrations, infographics, maps, and technical drawings, by showing "abstract rather than literal representations of information". The essence of a diagram can be seen as:〔 * a ''form'' of visual formatting devices * a ''display'' that does not show quantitative data (numerical data), but rather relationships and abstract information * with ''building blocks'' such as geometrical shapes connected by lines, arrows, or other visual links. Or in Hall's (1996) words "diagrams are simplified figures, caricatures in a way, intended to convey essential meaning".〔Bert S. Hall (1996). "The Didactic and the Elegant: Some Thoughts on Scientific and Technological Illustrations in the Middle Ages and Renaissance". in: B. Braigie (ed.) ''Picturing knowledge: historical and philosophical problems concerning the use of art in science''. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. p.9〕 These simplified figures are often based on a set of rules. The basic shape according to White (1984) can be characterized in terms of "elegance, clarity, ease, pattern, simplicity, and validity".〔 Elegance is basically determined by whether or not the diagram is "the simplest and most fitting solution to a problem". 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「diagram」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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