Scatter and Bubble plots are chart types used to visualize relationships between value points. Both plots arrange data values along the vertical and horizontal axes and display points called Symbols on the intersections.
A scatter chart visualizes relationships between two variables. The Scatter graph uses dots to represent two different numeric variables. For example, the scatter chart can be used to depict the correlation between variables like GDP per capita and life expectancy.
A Simple Scatter Plot visualizes relationships between two variables. For instance, the Simple Scatter Charts can be used to depict the correlation between life expectancy and GDP per Capita. See Create Scatter Chart walkthrough to learn how to create this chart.
Simple Scatter Chart
Bubble charts are used while plotting data points in terms of three numeric parameters. Note that the third numeric parameter is represented by the bubble's diameter. A bubble plot simply adds the third variable by encoding it into the size of the displayed symbols. For instance, the bubble chart can be used to depict the correlation between the diameter of a tree, its height, and volume.
A Simple Bubble chart adds a third variable into visualization by encoding it into the size of the showcased symbols. For instance, the simple bubble chart can be used to display the correlation between a tree's diameter, its height and volume. See Create Bubble Chart walkthrough to learn how to create this chart.
Simple Bubble Chart
The Multi-Category Scatter and Bubble chart splits the data values into categories and visualizes them using the shape and color of the symbol. For example, the multi-category scatter chart can be used to display the correlation between the life expectancy and GDP per capita categorized by the continent.
Multi-Category Scatter Chart
The Scatter and Bubble Plot properties discussed below can be accessed from the Properties Panel on selecting the Chart > Plot from the Report Explorer. You can access some of the important properties from the Plot's Smart Panel too. See Chart Smart Panels topic for more information. Both the Properties Panel and the Smart Panel can be accessed by right-clicking the plot in the design area.
The action to perform when the Scatter Plot is clicked. The action can be a hyperlink, a bookmark, or a drill-through.
The data labels for each area chart.
The name of the plot. By default, a chart containing a single plot has the plot name as 'Plot1'.
Represents the properties that allow you to customize the look of symbols that form the Scatter plot.
Contains the tooltip template settings. You can choose from the list of predefined settings or set your own in the Expression Editor.
The Clipping Mode determines how a plot extends within the plot area. The ClippingMode can be set to
Overlays property is a collection for superimposing the data trend on a plot. For more information, see Trendlines topic.
Rules control the appearance of plots based on specified conditions. For more information on conditions, see Rules.
Represents how null or empty values should be shown in the plot - Gaps (default), Connected, or Zeros.
Represents the opacity value of symbol fill color.
The Category Encoding of a Scatter Plot is a set of properties that determine the period over which the plot generates connected data points representing those above Data Values. The Category encoding includes the following properties.
Values
The Values property is the collection and takes the field as a category.
SortingField
The SortingField defines the order in which the categories are displayed. It takes the default same as the Values field, but you can also specify another field to sort the categories.
SortDirection
The SortDirection defines the ascending or descending order in which the categories should be sorted.
SortingAggregate
The SortingAggregate property specifies the aggregate to use for sorting the categories.
The Color Encoding enables the color legend of the Details or Category Encoding. It includes the following properties:
Action
The action to take when the color legend is clicked.
Aggregate
Aggregates the value of Color expression.
ShowValuesName
If set to True, the legend is displayed based on the value specified in Details encoding or Color encoding.
Values
The Values is the collection where the value of the Color expression is specified. However, the Scatter Plots take the first item from the collection.
The Details Encoding breaks down the data values into subcategories and produces additional groups. The Details property is the collection of items and each item includes the following properties that define the Details encoding:
The Shape Encoding enables the shape legend of the Details or Category Encoding in Scatter charts. It includes the Aggregate function and the shape expression, which is elaborated below:
Action
The action to take when the shape legend is clicked.
Aggregate
To show aggregated values such as Average, Count, and Sum instead of individual values, specify an Aggregate function.
Value
The Value property is the collection and usually takes a bound field. However, the Scatter plots take the first item from the collection.
The Size Encoding enables the Aggregate function and Size expression in Bubble charts to enable the size legend. The Size Encoding works solely with numeric values and breaks down data values into ranges that determine the symbol size. You can also set the Action to take when the size legend is clicked.
The Values encoding specifies the data values and represents the collection of items and each item includes the following properties.
Type
The Type property provides 'Simple' and 'Complex' options to choose from. However, for Scatter Plots, 'Simple' is acceptable.
Value
The Value property is the collection and usually takes a bound field. However, the Scatter Plots take the first item from the collection.
Aggregate
To show aggregated values such as Average, Count, and Sum instead of individual values, specify an Aggregate function.
The Text Encoding provides support of any dataset field in chart labels and tooltips and allows displaying additional info on the chart. When two text encodings are added, they are displayed by default with the ";" delimiter. A text encoding includes the following properties:
Aggregate
Aggregates the value of the Text expression.
Target
Specifies whether this text is for a Label or a Tooltip Label. The label format is controlled with the chart's Labels > Template property or Tooltip Template property.
The Template property can use both the predefined values and the added text encoding fields, for example:
Count:{Text0}
Sum:{valueField.value}
Template Key
A unique key, used in the chart plot's Labels > Template and Tooltip Template to access the text encoding value.
Value
A field, constant or expression to be displayed.
