What is the primary purpose of a tree map chart?

The primary purpose of a tree map chart is to visualize hierarchical data using nested figures. Tree maps represent data through a series of nested rectangles, where the size and color of each rectangle can convey additional information about the data being presented. This type of visualization allows users to understand complex structures at a glance, as it effectively uses space to depict proportions and relationships within the hierarchy.

For example, a tree map can be utilized to show sales data across different product categories, where each rectangle represents a category and its size corresponds to the sales volume. This hierarchical representation helps identify patterns, trends, and areas that may require attention, making tree maps an invaluable tool for data analysis and reporting.

Other types of visualizations, such as line graphs for temporal data or geographical maps for representing location-based data, serve different purposes and are not suitable for displaying hierarchical relationships like a tree map does.