The pictograms are symbols or signs that we can represent something specific. They are signs that are drawn, they are not terms derived from language and they figuratively represent objects of reality or their meanings. They are groups of symbols that precede the current writing. The comics that we usually see around us can be classified as a pictogram , since they are graphics that do not have a text. Its origin is Greek and Latin, and the term is made up of two basic words: picto, which means “painted” and is of Greek origin; and grass, which is derived from the Greek and means “written.” The purpose of the pictograms is to provide informationor point out something specific. They can be organized by categories depending on the function they intend to perform, then we can mention, for example, historical, mathematical, diagrams and graphs pictograms. Some of the most common signs that we see daily are found on road safety signs and in places that are intended for entertainment such as restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers.
What is a pictogram?
A pictogram is a group of symbols or signs that are used to represent ideas, provide information, or point to something specific. It is a communication method that dates from time immemorial, as the ancestors used them to communicate. They are often basic designs with basic colors and can be found anywhere to provide a notice or message.
History of the pictogram
In ancient times, the man who lived since prehistoric times, had the need to have and document information records regarding the situations that surrounded him, and they used pictograms drawn in caves where they generally lived. It had religious , hunting and information implications . From these drawings that were intended to represent the reality of the moment, groups of symbols with greater complexity were formed or invented. It was also common to find them in temples and pharaonic tombs, as they used them as a means of narrationof battles and stories. In some places they are still used as a means of communication in some places, mainly in places where literacy has not yet reached.
Modern use of the pictogram
Currently, the pictogram aims to convey messages to the public simply and quickly. They are clear messages , which are understandable from the first moment they are observed. These symbols help us to break down the barriers that languages can represent, this because they are easily understood symbols worldwide. It is common to find them in health services, to report warnings on roads, in education centers, and so that people can obtain information . Currently, for a pictogram to have a proper use, it must meet certain important characteristics. It must be a referencewhich implies that it must make a true reference to what it wants to represent; it must contain graphic items that represent the information; the pictograms have to be understandable and must be understood by the majority of people who see them regardless of their training, language or if they have any type of disability. In addition, the pictograms must be legible to the public in order to maintain adequate visual coherence; and, finally, they must be very simple to avoid possible confusion or that the information that is being provided is irrelevant.
Application of the pictogram in mathematics
One of the main uses of the pictogram is in mathematics . The use of tables with signs is an excellent way to organize information and to understand the information provided in a simpler way. Mathematical data is easier to understand when using pictograms. A pictogram type mathematical graph gives us information through drawings about what is being studied at the moment, they can easily represent absolute and relative frequencies of variables , categories or periods of time. There are a large number of graphs that can be used, such as bar graphs made with symbols of proportional length, of drawingsin which the symbols are equivalent to relative or absolute units of frequency and of areas where the drawing or symbol varies according to the frequency.
Application in Statistics
The pictogram is widely used in the area of statistics . Through the use of symbols and signs to represent data sets , statistics become easier to understand and apply. Statistical frequencies are identified by accumulating symbols to make statistical reports easier to understand.
Pictograms are often used as an alternative means of communication. Many of the people who use them have some degree of difficulty communicating correctly through words or expressing ideas, which makes these groups of symbols important for interpreting , understanding and transforming what they are really thinking.