Chart Node

The Chart node permits users to incorporate charts that graphically depict their data into reports. Like with many other output nodes, the Chart node will likely require Compile or Process nodes before using the Chart node. This is because the data will likely need to be grouped, aggregated, ranked, etc. before a visual aid is applied. There are several areas of the node interface that contain options to configure your chart.

Chart Types

Chart types are available to display the best visual for your data. There are seven different types of charts to choose from:

• Bar
• Column
• Dial
• Line
• Pie
• Radar
• Scatter

Selecting Variables

Available variables called Input Columns are listed on the left side of the Chart node interface.  Before choosing any columns, it's best to select the Chart Type from the drop down so that the correct configuration options are available for the specified chart. Once the Chart Type is selected, the chart configuration options will become available to the right of the Input Columns section. This will typically be two sections looking for a combination of columns to be added for the X and Y Axis Columns and the Selected Data Columns. Note that the specific configuration will depend on the type of chart chosen.

Note: The Selected Data Column section often accepts multiple Input Columns.

Live Preview

The Live Preview is a great way to preview what your chart will look like without exiting the node. To preview your chart, select the Live Preview... button and the default image below will update with your own chart configurations and data. 

Stylizing Charts

Chart stylizing options exist in the bottom right section of the Chart node window. This is where users can adjust fonts, text size, background color and data labels. Additional options for chart stylization exist in these subtabs:

• Title
• Border
• Legend
• 3D Options
• Colors
• Axis
• Chart Specific Graphics (Pie, Bar, Column, etc)

Custom Chart Styles

Custom chart styles can be created and saved to be reused on future charts. Select the ellipsis [...] next to the Chart Style dropdown, then select the blue plus sign icon and begin customizing your new style.

Or, if you have already configured your chart style, use the save button directly to the right of the Chart Style dropdown. Saved chart styles are added to the Chart Styles List. This list can also be accessed by going to Tools > Chart Styles List in the main toolbar. From this list, chart styles can also be imported or exported to share with other Construct users. 

Note: The Chart node should be connected to a Temp Report node or a Report node to best view the results.

Bar Chart

A bar chart displays categories of data as a horizontal bar with the category name on the y-axis and the frequency along the x-axis. The number of bars appearing in a bar chart is determined by the number of unique values or categories that exist in the column that is entered as the the Y Axis Label Column.

The length or frequency of each bar is determined by the number of records in the Selected Data Columns fields that fall into the y-axis categories.

Each bar can also be broken down into additional bars representing sub-categories of the data by adding multiple columns to the Selected Data Columns section.

Note: Columns containing numeric values must be used for the Selected Data Columns.

Column Chart

A column chart displays categories of data as a vertical column with the category name on the x-axis and the frequency along the y-axis. The number of columns appearing in a column chart is determined by the number of unique values or categories that exist in the column that is entered as the the X Axis Label Column.

The height or frequency of each bar is determined by the number of records in the Selected Data Columns fields that fall into the x-axis categories.

Each column can also be broken down into additional columns representing sub-categories of the data by adding multiple columns to the Selected Data Columns section.

Note: Columns containing numeric values must be used for the Selected Data Columns.

 

 

Dial Chart

A dial chart resembles a gauge with several pointers. The number of pointers appearing in the dial is determined by the number of designated Selected Data Columns.

The Dial Chart is unique in that areas of the dial may be colored differently to denote the importance of certain value ranges. These may be specified either in the Chart Style or in the node’s setup window.

Note: Columns containing numeric values must be used for the Selected Data Columns.

 

Line Chart

A line chart is displayed as a grid. The x-axis represents the categories of the data found in the column selected to be the X Axis Label Column. This column can contain numeric, categorical or date fields. The y-axis represents the frequency of the data found in the column(s) in the Selected Data Column section. Columns added to this section must contain numeric values. 

Multiple columns can be added to the Selected Data Column section. The number of lines appearing in a line chart is determined by the number of columns added. The Y-axis of a line chart grid is scaled automatically using all the values found in these same columns. 

Note: Columns containing numeric values must be used for the Selected Data Columns.

 

Pie Chart

The number of slices appearing in a pie chart is determined by the number of unique values or categories that exist in the column that is entered as the the Selected Legend Column. The slices are labeled with data found in the column added as the Selected Data Column. 

The size of each slice is determined by the values of data found in the column selected as the Selected Data Column.

Note: Only a single data column may be added to the Selected Data Column and that column must be numeric.

 

Radar Chart

A radar chart is displayed as a series of concentric rings. The outermost ring is labeled with data found in the column selected to be the X Axis Label Column.

The number of areas appearing in a Radar chart is determined by the number of designated Selected Data Columns. A minimum of three columns are required in the section with this chart type. The radius of each ring is scaled automatically using all the values found in these same columns.

Note: Columns containing numeric values must be used for the Selected Data Columns.

 

Scatter Chart

A scatter chart resembles a line chart in that it is displayed as a grid, with points representing pairs of data entries. Unlike a line chart, there are no lines connecting these points. The x-axis is labeled with data found in the column selected to be the X Axis Column. The y-axis is labeled with data found in the column selected to be the Y Axis Column. 

The number of points appearing in a scatter chart is determined by the number of Selected Column Pairs. The y-axis of a scatter chart grid is scaled automatically using all the values found in the column.

Note: The Selected Column Pairs should contain two numeric columns. 

 

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