A diagram is a two-dimensional geometric symbolic representation of information according to some visualization technique. Sometimes, the technique uses a three-dimensional visualization which is then projected onto the two-dimensional surface. The word graph is sometimes used as a synonym for diagram.
In science the term is used in both ways. For example Anderson (1997) stated more generally: "diagrams are pictorial, yet abstract, representations of information, and maps, line graphs, bar charts, engineering blueprints, and architects' sketches are all examples of diagrams, whereas photographs and video are not". On the other hand Lowe (1993) defined diagrams as specifically "abstract graphic portrayals of the subject matter they represent".
In the specific sense diagrams and charts contrast computer graphics, technical illustrations, infographics, maps, and technical drawings, by show "abstract rather than literal representations of information". The essences of a diagram can be seen as:
I am a simple man
I don't ask for much
But an angel's touch
Touching where wings should be
You swoop down for me
Come to rescue me
I'm holding on
To you
My search for love
Is through
Love is a diagram
Sine wave in the sand
Carved by nature's hand
Crutches where wings should be
You swoop down for me
Come to rescue me
I'm holding on
To you
My search for love
Is through
Time has taught me
So much about you
You're all I know
Find me in the
It's my lack of sensitivity that makes me who I am
A sunken buried treasure chest, shall I draw you a diagram
Wrap my wrists in heavy gauze that's two less for me to choose
A sunken buried treasure chest, makes me who I am
Diagram, it's who I am
Diagram, it's who I, who I, who I am...
Much love I got for those who give me 15 minutes or more
strip me of my dignity and treat me like a whore
a sunken buried treasure chest, makes me who I am
so forget you worthless piece of shit
just follow the diagram
Diagram, it's who I am
Diagram it's who I who I who I am
The picture perfect purity
Soils me to the bone
The picture perfect God in me
Destroys me when I'm alone
I swear to God I'm not so bad
If you search for Who I am
The picture perfect God in me
Makes me who I am
Diagram, it's who I am
Here is expection
Here is a dream
This is the way things should have been
Ans it's so sad, so sad, so sad
About the way things are
So sad, so sad, so sad, so sad
See his face, see his eyes
Full of trust, so unwise
Built it up, much too high
So unwise, so unwise
Here is anticipation
But no defence
Now I hate his innocence
And it's too bad, too bad, too bad
About the way things are