-
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:
BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core &
ConnectivityLearners Guide32
-
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.
33Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide
-
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.
BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core &
ConnectivityLearners Guide34
-
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.
35Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide
-
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.
BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core &
ConnectivityLearners Guide36
-
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.
37Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide
-
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.
BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core &
ConnectivityLearners Guide38