Table Of Contents

Graph ► Tasks ► Set Of Scalars

A scalar is a number, scalars (plural) is multiple scalars in this case an ordered list and a set of scalars is a set of ordered lists of scalar values. Since that is a bit wordy lets just think about bars and columns of a table. A list of scalars is organized in one column of a table and bars or columns of a graph. When there are multiple columns on the table then the numbers are organized by stacking the bars or offsetting the bars on a chart.

The presentation may seem conventional and without further need of explanation, however there are some concepts that I mention here even though they are "obvious":

• Each column of a table is though of as contiguous, that is a list of numbers without interruption. However, when there are multiple columns in a tables then the bars on a chart are organized in an interleaved (non-contiguous) fashion. Essentially, the rows and columns of a table are transposed on a bar or column chart. This issue only seems uninteresting because it is conventional.

• Stacked bar representation is related to the tables through a successive sum of row values. Again, uninteresting because it is conventional however the implicit nature of this mapping and taking it for granted makes me want to point out this issue.

• There could be some interesting deviant pie chart representations for sets of scalars, however the implementation in this task simply displays only one column of data at a time. You can scan each column by dragging the cursor horizontally across the pie chart.

The figure below diagrams the Set Of Scalars task.

While importing data using Tables or Fetch keep in mind that the format is an ordered list of numbers separated by a blank. The chart type (bar, column or pie) can be changed using the Preference tool. The Preference tool is also used to alter some other attributes. Skins are used to add distinction to the presentation and the Export tool can be used for specialized layouts and post-production editing.

Moving the cursor over a pie wedge or bar shows the data value. Dragging the cursor over the chart scans table columns one at a time.