How deeply does D3.js in Action, Third Edition cover logarithmic scale?

Defines logarithmic transformation and demonstrates domain, range, and nice() configuration, without developing the underlying mathematics.

Logarithmic scale

As explained in D3.js in Action, Third Edition

A logarithmic scale maps values through a logarithmic transformation so multiplicative differences in magnitude can be represented across a visual range.

A logarithmic scale maps a continuous domain through a logarithmic transformation. It is useful when values span large differences in magnitude, allowing multiplicative changes to occupy a readable visual range. section 7.5 section 7.4.1

Cetacean population scatterplot

A linear x-axis compresses species with smaller populations, making their values difficult to read. Replacing it with a logarithmic scale displays tenfold steps such as 1, 10, 100, 1k, 10k, 100k, 1M, and 10M, while preserving the full population range. section 7.4.1

const maxPopulation = d3.max(data, d => d.global_population_estimate);
xScale = d3.scaleLog()
  .domain([1, maxPopulation])
  .range([0, innerWidth])
  .nice();

Configure the scale with the dataset’s maximum population, map the domain from 1 to that maximum, and spread it across the chart width. section 7.4.1

How D3.js in Action, Third Edition covers it

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Also explained in

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Statistics Every Programmer NeedsA logarithmic transformation replaces each value with its logarithm to compress scale differences and reduce positive skewness.
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Effective Data AnalysisA numerical axis scale in which equal visual intervals represent equal multiplicative ratios.

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Related concepts

linear scalecontrasts with · A linear scale maps continuous input values to output values through a linear relationship between its domain and range.
NumPyuses · NumPy is an open-source Python library for numerical computing that provides multidimensional arrays and operations on them.
scalekind of · A visualization scale maps data values to visual values such as positions, colors, or sizes.
power-law relationshipused by · A power-law relationship is a mathematical relationship in which one quantity is proportional to another quantity raised to a fixed exponent.
visualizationused by · Visualization is the representation of data, information, or concepts in visual form to support inspection, interpretation, analysis, or communication.

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