Multi-Variable Line or Scatter Plot

This plot shows the variation of multiple numeric variables over a range of values. Any variable in the data set can be shown on the X axis of this plot; only numeric variables can be shown on the Y axis.

Values on the X axis are always sorted. Individual data points may be connected with lines (the default) or shown as unconnected symbols (i.e., creating a scatter plot). Line plots are always continuous: there are no gaps if a Y value is missing for any X value.

The dialog for displaying a line or scatter plot of one or more variables

To produce this plot, the following must be specified:

  • Whether all of the data should be used, or only the data values highlighted on the map and in the table.

  • A variable for the X axis.

  • Whether to produce a line plot (the default) or a scatter plot.

  • One or more numeric variables to be shown on the Y axis, selected from the list on the left side of the dialog.

  • The method of aggregating values for a Y variable when there is more than one Y value for the same X value. Alternatives are the arithmetic mean (the default), the geometric mean, the harmonic mean, the minimum, the maximum and the sum.

Missing data are eliminated case-wise for each pair of X,Y variables that is plotted.

The “Source Data” button at the bottom of the dialog shows all of the selected data. The “Plot Data” button shows these data after summarization. These tables can be saved to a file with the Ctrl-S keystroke.

The Y axis is labeled with “Value” by default. This label can be changed with the Alt-Y keystroke. The X axis label and the plot title can be changed with the Alt-X and Alt-T keystrokes, respectively.