A useful data presentation tool: Ternary plots in forensic medicine

Abstract

Ternary plots are triangle shaped diagrams which display the proportions of three given categories in an information dense format. This short communication aims at demonstrating ternary plots as a method of data presentation in forensic medicine. In addition, a practical example is given and discussed. They are generally underutilized in medicine and forensic medicine in particular. This method paper describes how to read and design ternary plots. Template files are provided. Example diagrams for “manner of death in custody” are demonstrated and discussed.