Polar and Radar charts are specialized visualizations used to display multi-dimensional data in a radial format, making them effective for pattern recognition, comparison, and performance analysis. Both chart types display variables on separate axes that radiate outward from a central point, with data points connected to form distinct shapes.
Note
For details on Advanced Settings, Report Mapping, and other functionalities, refer to the Chart Reports main article.
A Polar Chart is a graphical representation where multiple variables are plotted along a radial axis. Each variable has its own axis starting from the chart’s center and extending outward. The data points for each variable are connected, forming a shape that visually represents the dataset.
Key Features:
- Multi-dimensional Display: Each axis represents a different variable, enabling a comprehensive view of data relationships.
- Pattern Recognition: Shapes formed by connected data points reveal patterns, trends, and similarities.
- Clear Comparison: Overlapping shapes help in identifying differences and similarities across datasets.
Advantages:
- Simultaneous Comparison: View multiple variables at once for a holistic understanding of the data.
- Pattern & Trend Identification: Quickly detect outliers or similarities.
- Intuitive Visualization: Radial layout makes complex data more accessible and presentation-friendly.
Use Cases:
- Comparing performance metrics across departments.
- Visualizing seasonal patterns in sales.
- Analyzing multi-variable survey results.
- Navigate to Admin Menu → Reports → Create Report.
- Select the desired data source.
- Set the report type to Chart and name your report.
- Choose Polar from the Chart Type dropdown.
- Select relevant data fields in the Group by column to define segmentation or drill-down.
- Click Save.
Radar Charts (also known as Spider Charts or Web Charts) are similar to Polar Charts but are often used for performance comparisons. They consist of multiple axes radiating from a central point, each representing a different variable. Data points plotted along these axes are connected to form a polygonal shape.
Use Cases:
- Market Research: Compare consumer preferences, behaviors, or trends over time.
- Product Comparison: Evaluate multiple products/services across several performance metrics.
- Weather Data Visualization: Represent variables like wind speed/direction, temperature, and precipitation patterns.
Advantages:
- Visual clarity for comparing entities across several dimensions.
- Easy identification of strengths and weaknesses.
- Effective for benchmarking and strategic decision-making.
- Go to Admin Menu → Reports → Create Report.
- Select the data source.
- Set the report type to Chart and provide a report name.
- Choose Radar from the Chart Type dropdown.
- Select the required data fields in the Group by column for segmentation or drill-down.
- Click Save.
¶ User Interaction in Polar and Radar Chart
User Interaction refers to how viewers can directly engage with the chart beyond just looking at it.
Under Polar and Radar Chart configuration, the only User Interaction option present is:
Allow Data Editing
- What it does:
- Lets users click on a data point, label, or value in the chart and modify it directly from the interface.
- Why it matters:
- Useful for dashboards or collaborative tools where quick, inline adjustments are needed without going back into the raw dataset.
- Typical workflow:
- You click a data value in the chart.
- A small input box pops up.
- You change the value, hit enter, and the chart updates immediately.
Final Note
Both Polar and Radar charts are powerful tools for visualizing multi-dimensional data in an intuitive radial format. While Polar Charts emphasize general data pattern recognition and relationship mapping, Radar Charts are particularly effective for direct performance comparisons.