Same same, but different

Just a quick comparison of two methods: indexation and standardized normalization. Given are three variables – two on emissions and GDP per Capita. The s.n. gives differences in small values a higher visibility, whereas the indexation allows to read more precisely the evolution (“a raise of 35%”). Disadvantage of latter is surely the choice of the “common” year…

The use of sparklines has been already highlighted. Here is a nice add-on (not for free) that allows to use different graph styles. Looks really nice and clean.

Great idea and easy approach to develop a lightweight data exploration tool in Excel. Here and here.

Nice graphic from the New York Times.