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Figures

Figures are ideal for presenting:

  • Images
  • Data plots
  • Maps
  • Schematics

Images

Images help readers visualize the information you are trying to convey. Often, it is difficult to be sufficiently descriptive using words. Images can aid in achieving the accuracy needed for a scientific manuscript. For example, it may not be enough to say, “The surface had nanometer scale features.” In this case, it would be ideal to provide a microscope image.

For images, be sure to:

  • Include scale bars
  • Consider labeling important items

Data plots

Data plots convey large quantities of data quickly. The goal is often to show a functional or statistical relationship between two or more items. However, details about the individual data points are often omitted to place emphasis on the relationship that is shown by the collection of points. Here, we have an example of a figure combining images and a plot in multiple panels.

For data plots, be sure to:

  • Label all axes
  • Specify units for quantities
  • Label all curves and data sets
  • Use a legible font size

Source: Nano Research (2010) 3:843–851

Maps

Maps are important for putting field work in the context of the location where it was performed. A good map will help your reader understand how the site affects your study. Moreover, it will help other researchers reproduce your work or find other locations with similar properties. Here, we have a map used in a study about salmon.

For maps, be sure to:

  • Include latitude and longitude
  • Include scale bars
  • Label important items
  • Consider adding a legend


Source: Environmental Biology of Fishes (2011) DOI: 10.1007/s10641-011-9783-5

Schematics

Schematics help identify the key parts to a system or process. They should highlight only the key elements because adding unimportant items may clutter the image. A schematic only includes the drawings the author chooses, offering a degree of flexibility not offered by images. They can also be used in situations where it is difficult or impossible to capture an image. Below is a schematic explaining how nanotubes could be used to harvest energy from a fluid.

For schematics, be sure to:

  • Label key items
  • Provide complementary explanations in the caption and main text

Source: Nano Research (2011) 4:284–289

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Original URL: http://www.springer.com/authors/journal+authors/journal+authors+academy?SGWID=0-1726414-12-837815-0

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