Graph Builder Problem with Lines

[#1]

Hi All,

When I create a graph in graph builder with continuous data in the Y and the X axis, and use one categorical in the Overlay, I get continuous lines. But as soon as I put a second categorical in "Color," the lines change to dotted, etc even though the line style shows an uninterrupted line. This didn't use to happen and I don't know why it is happening. I had asked about this problem before and, unfortunately, the solutions didn't let work for my purpose.

I am attaching a sample file from the JMP help index to which I saved the script for a couple of graphs that show what I mean.

Any help with this issue is much appreciated!

Barbara

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Hi @babn, if you right click on the Overlay section, then choose Overlay Encoding > Color, I think this will get you what you're looking for. This behavior was changed to allow for more ways to create advanced graphs. @scwise did a great little overview of this here at timestamp 18:30 - 22:00.

[#3]

Hi Jed, the only problem with this solution is that it eliminates individual markers. With colors in the encoding, I get only dots. I can change them individually but that's seems quite cumbersome for larger data sets.

[#4]

Would adding another set of points work for what you're trying to do? You can use the Variables section to change how the overlay is applied to the points all at once.

 

[#5]

Thank you for the effort. Unfortunately, it doesn't solve my problem with the interrupted lines. 

[#6]

This discussion has continued in Graph builder problem with lines, markers, and dots 

... leading to this "workaround" via preferences/Graph Builder settings :

// execute the code if you know what you are doing - changing the preferences is dangerous
Set Platform Preferences(
		Graph Builder(
			Overlay Auto Line Styles Limit( 1, <<On ),
			Overlay Auto Marker Styles Limit( 62, <<Off ));
);
//--------------------------------------------------		
			
Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Blood Pressure.jmp" );
Graph Builder(
	Size( 843, 698 ),
	Graph Spacing( 4 ),
	Variables( X( :BP 8W ), Y( :BP 8M ), Overlay( :Subject ), Color( :Dose ) ),
	Elements( Line( X, Y, Legend( 11 ) ), Points( X, Y, Legend( 12 ) ) )
);

The idea: 

• Reduce the auto limit for line styles to 1 - to plot all lines as solid lines.
• However, keep the auto limit for markers -  to get different markers for different overlay groups.
  
  
• use color to specify the color.
   

The result: 

• individual traces for each subject
• all lines are solid
• different markers for the different subjects
• color indicates: dose

[#7]

Users will probably find a way to create the plot they want using tricks and workarounds.
However, the need for workarounds highlights the current limitations of Graph Builder.

Overlay is used for different/distinct purposes:

• 1) to "group data" for smoother, line, bar and other plots
• 2a) to control the style of lines
• 2b) to control the style of markers 
• 2c) ...

This is great if you need one of these options or multiple options 'synchronously'.
However, it is inconvenient when you need multiple options in a non-synchronous way.

For example, at the moment it is not possible to assign markers for categories which don't coincide with the Overlay groups.

Let's try to create a plot with the following settings [just a slight difference to the plot in the previous post]:

• individual traces for each subject
• different markers colors for the different subjects
• color marker indicates: dose

The graph looks simple enough, doesn't it? But it's extremely difficult to create it in Graph Builder.
Give it a try and share your experience!

Start with this script — all you need to do is adjust the markers.

Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Blood Pressure.jmp" );
Graph Builder(
	Graph Spacing( 4 ),
	Variables(
		X( :BP 8W ),
		Y( :BP 8M ),
		Wrap( :Subject ),
		Overlay( :Subject, Overlay Encoding( "Color" ) ),
		Color( :Dose )
	),
	Elements(
		Line( X, Y, Color( 0 ) ),
		Points( X, Y, Overlay( 0 ) )
	)
);

idea/issue from: how to generate this graph in Graph Builder?

[#8]

Changing the platform preferences can lead to unexpected issues.

Much better: save the setting with the plot.

Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Blood Pressure.jmp" );
Graph Builder(
	Variables( X( :BP 8W ), Y( :BP 8M ), Overlay( :Subject ), Color( :Dose ) ),
	Elements( Line( X, Y ), Points( X, Y) )
);

// all lines: -> solid!
 
 gb = (current report() << XPath("//OutlineBox[@helpKey = 'Graph Builder']")) << get scriptable object ;
 gb << Overlay Auto Line Styles Limit( 1 )

The additional setting: 
Overlay Auto Line Styles Limit( 1 ),
guarantees that JMP generates the same plot on all systems, independent of the settings in the preferences.

[#9]

---

@babn wrote:

Hi Jed, the only problem with this solution is that it eliminates individual markers. With colors in the encoding, I get only dots. I can change them individually but that's seems quite cumbersome for larger data sets.

---

agree! it is possible to adjust the markers individually. but why is it necessary?
I hope in a future version of JMP, there will be a  new Column Property: Value Markers  (please follow the link to the wish and vote)
... and a corresponding formalism in Graph Builder to use the setting.