Creating polar graphs

A polar graph is essentially a line graph drawn on a circular form that can show trends in data values by means of angles. Polar graphs are useful primarily in mathematical and statistical applications. These graphs are used to display variables, which vary based on the direction. You can plot multiple datasets on the polar graph, where each dataset is represented by a single line.

1. Click the View menu, point to Graphs, then click Create Graph .
2. Click the Graph type drop-down arrow and choose the Polar type .
3. Click the Layer/Table drop-down arrow and click the layer or table containing the data values that are to be graphed.
4. Click the Radius drop-down arrow and choose the field representing the radius value.

   This variable is graphed on the radial axis, with the origin at the center of the circle.

5. Click the Angle drop-down arrow and choose the field representing the angle.

   This field supplies the angular position for each data point.

6. X label field lets you specify a different field to label the polar graph.
7. By default, the values of the input data are added to the legend of the graph. You can change this by unchecking the Add to legend check box.
8. To mark the data points with their values, click the Show labels (marks) check box. You can change the field used to label the points by changing the X label field value.
9. You can change the appearance of the markers on the graph with the Color control.
10. You can further change the appearance of the data points in the polar graph with the Symbol properties tabs.

    

    The Symbol tab controls the size and shape of the markers used for the data points, and the Line tab controls the thickness, style, and color of the line connecting points.

11. Click the Next button to proceed to the general properties page to complete your graph.