Visualizing data with charts

Introduction

In this unit, you will learn about Xcelsius and the benefits of producing presentations withXcelsius.

After completing this unit, you will be able to:

Use charts for visualization Choose a chart type Add a dual axis to your chart Take advantage of dynamic labels Use data in ranges Use data in a series Define category axis labels Anticipate future data by ignoring end blanks

Using charts for visualization

Charts are one of the most powerful ways to convey a large amount of data in a meaningfulway. There are multiple charts in Xcelsius. Part of maximizing the tool is effectively utilizingthe charts available to you. Charts can also use a secondary axis for visualizations.

ExampleCategory

Line chart, Area chartLinear

XY chart, Bubble chartMulti-dimensional trends

Bar chart, Stacked bar chartComparative analysis

Pie chart, Radar chartDistributions

OHLC chart, Candlestick chartOHLC

Choosing a chart type

Charts can be used to display ranges of data. The following types are available:

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Line chart

A single- or multi-line chart is ideal for showing tendency over a period of time. Use this chartin models that emphasize a trend line or a continuing sequence of data. The Dual Axis featureallows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

Pie chart

A pie chart represents the distribution or participation of each slice (item) over a certain totalthat is represented on the overall value.

OHLC chart

An OHLC chart is used primarily to display stock data. Each marker corresponds to the fourstock price values, which are represented as lines attached to the marker.

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Candlestick chart

A candlestick chart is used primarily to display stock data. Each marker corresponds to fourstock price values - open, high, low, and close - which are represented as colors.

Column chart

A single- or multi-column chart is ideal for showing and comparing one or more items over aperiod of time or in a specific range of values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a serieson either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

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Stacked column chart

A stacked column chart allows you to compare several variables over a period of time by addingone dimension on top of another. These types of charts are ideal when comparing severaldimensions over a period of time. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on eitherthe Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

Bar chart

A single- ormulti-bar chart is ideal for showing and comparing one ormore items over a periodof time or in a specific range of values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series oneither the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

Stacked bar chart

A stacked bar chart allows you compare several variables over a period of time. Stacked barsallow you to compare one or more variables by adding one variable to another. These types ofcharts are ideal when comparing several variables over a period of time. The Dual Axis featureallows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

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Combination chart

A combination column and line chart is ideal for displaying a range of values and a trend linefor those values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either the Primary orSecondary axis with this chart.

Bubble chart

Abubble chart is a powerful analytic tool that lets you compare a group of items or series basedon three different parameters. It has an X axis and a Y axis to represent the item location overthe chart area, and a Z value to represent the item size.

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XY chart

AnXY chart displays data that requires two dimensions to complete the analysis. The XY chartshows each data point as a result of the intersection of X values and Y values.

Area chart

An area chart is a variation on the line chart where the area below the line is filled in to givegreater impact to the visualization. The usual area charts are enhanced in Xcelsius withtransparency effects, which make them a very effective visualization for comparing trends.The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis withthis chart.

Stacked area chart

A stacked area chart allows you to compare several variables over a period of time. Stackedareas allow you to compare one or more variables by adding one variable to another. Thesetype of charts are ideal when comparing several variables over a period of time. The Dual Axisfeatures allow you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

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Radar chart

A radar chart allows easy comparison of values in a radial layout.

Filled radar chart

A filled radar chart allows easy comparison of values in a radial layout, with the center areafilled in for greater visual impact.

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