A line plot connects values in sequence to make changes over time easier to see. It is useful when a table of readings hides a trend, an unusual pattern, or a possible sensor anomaly. section 6.2.1
Plot daily sensor summaries
A temperature sensor produces 6,375 readings over 45 spring days. Calculate each day’s low, high, and mean, then plot those summaries against time. The mean’s upward trend and days with unusual temperatures become easier to spot than in the raw readings or summary table. section 6.2.1
Figure 6.2 Line graph of the daily mean, low, and high temperatures from a temperature sensor in my hallway over a 45-day period in spring, allowing me to monitor the sensor’s performance and detect unusual thermal patterns
The figure plots daily mean, low, and high temperatures together, making the sensor’s behavior over the 45-day period visible. section 6.2.1
If the trend matters more than exact values or chart labels, use a sparkline instead. Its compact, axis-free form fits multiple sensor trends into a table. section 6.2.1
