Chart Terminology

The following table defines the chart terminology used in Interactive Reporting:

Table 75. Chart Terminology 

Term

Definition

Axes

Straight lines on a chart that provide a framework for measurement and reference. Typically, the x axis and z axis are used to display label items, and the y axis shows values or facts (measurable items), such as units and amounts.

Values

Graphic indicators that represent data. Bar charts display values in either vertical or horizontal bars. Pie charts use wedge-shaped slices to represent values.

Plot Area

The area bounded by the axes is called the plot area. In the case of the pie chart, the plot area is defined by a circle representing the totality of all data items.

Planes

In all charts (except pie charts), planes provide background and graphed reference for charted values. Planes define horizontal, vertical, and background fields for a chart.

Legend

An information box containing color-keyed labels used to identify different data values represented on a chart.

Grid lines

Straight horizontal and vertical lines arranged in scaled increments that provide calibrated guidelines for value interpretation.

Bar

A linear measure of a value used in bar charts.

Slice

A spacial measure of a value used in pie charts.

Chart top title

Text description related to the entire chart.

Chart subtitle

Additional text used to describe the chart.

Y axis label

Text description of the vertical quantity axis.

Y axis values

Text or numbers which indicate specific values along the y axis

X axis label

Text description of the horizontal quantity axis.

X axis values

Text or numbers which indicate specific values along the x axis.

Z axis label

Text description of the depth axis.

Z axis values

Text or number which indicate specific values along the z axis

Chart graphic

Central chart picture which contains Chart bars, background and also Chart axes.

Chart graphic border

Border which controls the position of the Chart’s central bars, background and axes labels. The border can be resized and repositioned.

Chart border

Border which controls the general position of all other Chart components not controlled by the Chart graphic border. This border can be resized and repositioned.

Inserted text string

Optional text strings that can be placed anywhere within the Chart border.

Right y axis label

Optional label that can be placed to the right of the right-hand vertical edger of the Chart graphic.

Right y axis values

Optional values that can be displayed on the right hand vertical edge of the Chart graphic

Bar value

Optional text which represents numeric value of the bar.

Table 76. Chart Terminology (Pie Specific)

Term

Definition

Pie slice

Individual y axis value representation for current x axis item.

Pie slice label

Text to identify x axis item.

Line to label

Line from pie slice label to pie slice to aid in slice identification.