The 6 Preventive Conservation Plots

Plot 2: Bivariate Scatter distribution: This visualization shows the relationship between two variables, in this case T and RH. A transparent bounding box is overlaid to show how many logging points are outside the recommended zone.

To read this plot with ALEC: First, check the Axes. The horizontal axis represents Dry Bulb Temperature, and the vertical axis represents Relative Humidity. Second, describe the Lines/Points. Each individual dot represents a single, concurrent T and RH measurement. Third, locate a clear Example. For instance, a highly dense, circular cluster of dots around a certain T and RH indicates a stable, well-controlled target microclimate.

With this kind of plot it is also possible to comment on the spread, or on outliers. Finally, draw a Conclusion. The overall shape and dispersion of this "point cloud" immediately reveals if the building's envelope keeps the conditions in constant or disperse conditions.

Plot 3: Psychrometric Chart: This is a thermodynamic tool that allows us to see absolute moisture levels in the air. A target zone (shaped to curve along constant relative humidity tracks between the temperature limits) is displayed.

We decode this complex chart using the ALEC steps: First, identify the Axes. The horizontal axis represents Dry Bulb Temperature (T), while the vertical axis represents the Humidity Ratio or Absolute Moisture. Second, describe the Lines/Points. The curved background lines represent lines of constant RH (curving up to the top, ending with the red 100% saturation boundary line), and the blue markers represent your actual measurements.

Third, pick an Example. If you observe data points moving horizontally from left to right, this shows temperature is rising while absolute moisture remains constant, causing RH to drop even though no physical water was actually removed. Finally, form a Conclusion. By tracing where your points fall relative to the curvature, you can identify if there is an active danger of moisture addition leading to condensation.

Plot 4: Frequency Histograms: This side-by-side view shows the statistical spread of your microclimate variables over the entire log duration. Vertical dashed lines highlight target T and RH directly over the histograms.

Using ALEC to interpret histograms: First, look at the Axes. For both plots, the horizontal axis shows the parameter values (T or RH), while the vertical axis shows the count of hours spent in each bin (also called "Frequency" when drawing histograms). Second, observe the Lines/Bars. The height of each vertical column shows how often the environment fell into that narrow range. Third, analyze an Example. A single, tall, sharp column (unimodal peak) represents an exceptionally stable, unwavering climate, while a broad shape or two separate peaks (bimodal) indicates that the room shifts between two distinct states (like heating-cooling seasons or day-night cycles).

Finally, establish a Conclusion. Histograms visually confirm if your collections spend significant periods of time outside limits. They also frequently demonstrate that T and RH distributions are not "bell-shaped" (normal), but are usually bumpy and with long tails.

Plot 5: Period Analysis: This plot aggregates the continuous data into distinct timeframes (months or weeks) to evaluate trends and distributions.

When this kind of plot is used, it is really important to be crystal-clear on what the bars mean. In a Boxplot, the line in the center is the median, the box around it indicates 25th and 50th percentiles, and the whiskers 5th and 95th percentiles. The points indicate the values outside this range. You can learn what these terms mean in the last tab "Summary Stats".

A boxplot can also be understood as a histogram "seen from above", because it helps you see the spread of your data and where the center is.

Plot 6: Density Heatmap: This colorful plot simplifies thousands of overlapping points into a clear frequency map. The recommended environmental compliance region has been outlined.

Let's read this visualization using ALEC: First, note the Axes. The horizontal axis partitions Temperature (T) intervals, and the vertical axis partitions Relative Humidity (RH) intervals. Second, interpret the Lines/Grid. Instead of points or curves, this is a grid of cells colored from cool green-blue to bright yellow, where brighter colors represent a higher density of readings. Third, look for an Example. A bright yellow cell at represents the microclimate where the collection spent the majority of its time.

Finally, draw a Conclusion. This type of plot can easily indicate which combinations are common and rare. Sometimes, there are two separate groups of frequent combinations, for example one for summer and one for winter, or open and closed hours.

Educational Insight: Robust vs. Parametric Statistics: Traditional metrics (Mean, SD) are highly sensitive to brief spikes such as sensor calibration errors or opening a door. Robust statistics (like Median, Interquartile Range, and the 5th/95th percentiles) give a far more accurate representation of the steady-state conditions that collections actually experience.