Visualizing Data with Columns Over Time

The Simple Column Chart is designed for straightforward time-based analysis, similar to the Simple Line Chart, but displays the data as vertical columns. It is ideal for comparing values across specific time intervals, such as daily sales, monthly performance, or annual growth.

Configuring the Chart

Data Connections

To set up the Simple Column Chart, configure the following fields:

1. User Document

   • Connect the chart to the relevant Data Document containing the dataset to be visualized.

2. Date Data Connection

   • Select the Date Field to define the timeline for the chart.

   • Example: Use “Created At” for tracking document creation dates or “Invoice Date” for financial timelines.

3. Projection

   • Choose the specific data field to be displayed as columns (e.g., sales value, document count, or other numerical fields).

Grouping Options

The Simple Column Chart groups data points over time using predefined intervals:

• Day

• Week

• Month

• Year

Chart Configuration Options

After setting up the data connections, the following options need to be configured:

1. Option Name

   • A free-form text field to define the name of this configuration (e.g., "Monthly Sales Summary" or "Invoices by Status").

2. Data Index

   • Select the appropriate data field (index) from the data structure that will serve as the foundation for the analysis.

   • Example:

     • For "Documents by Status," select “Document ID” to count the documents.

     • For a chart analyzing "Total Sales," select the sales value field.

3. Operator

   • Choose the type of operation to be performed on the data:

     • Sum: Adds up numerical values (e.g., total sales).

     • Avg: Averages the values (e.g., average spending per month).

     • First: Displays the first occurrence in the dataset.

     • Count Values: Counts the number of occurrences (e.g., total documents by status).

4. Type

   • Select the data type:

     • Number: For numerical fields.

     • String: For text-based fields.

5. Sort

   • Define the sorting order for the data:

     • 1: Ascending (e.g., smallest to largest or A to Z).

     • -1: Descending (e.g., largest to smallest or Z to A).

Selecting one of these options automatically aggregates the data for the chosen time frame.

By following these steps, the Simple Column Chart allows you to effectively compare values over time, providing clear insights through column-based visualizations.