Database Reference
In-Depth Information
eASe oF DeVeloPMenT
rEPorTING TooL
PrEDEFINED CHArT TyPE
EASE oF DEVELoPMENT
Excel
Yes
PerformancePoint
Yes
Power View
Yes
Reporting Services
Yes
Silverlight/HTML5
N/A
BAr AND CoLuMN CHArTS
Bar and column charts, as shown in Figure 11-4, are simply two versions of the
same chart rotated 90 degrees. In a column chart the date is on the bottom
axis. The additional series on the bar chart replaces the value used for the
height on the column chart. However, the two charts are used very differently
when it comes to temporal analysis. A bar chart uses the length of the bar
to show a start and end date, with the position of the bar being the discrete
item, whereas a column chart uses the length of the column to show a value.
For temporal analysis, the date always runs from left to right. Some additional
work is required in all the Microsoft tools to show the bar chart in the cor-
rect manner, as it has really been implemented as a column chart rotated 90
degrees. Figure 11-4 shows an example.
There are many addi-
tional ways of add-
ing data to bar and
column charts, such
as using stacks and
groups. These meth-
ods are discussed in
Chapter 12 .
F I g u R e 11 - 4
Bar and column charts are often confused, but the distinction is simple. Bars run from
left to right, and columns from bottom to top.
Both types of charts rely on the human eye being able to follow a straight
line and make comparisons. It is always a good idea to add background lines
to aid this process.
