Do you experience challenges when searching for some of the best visualisation designs to present comparison data? No more struggling! Polar graphs have all your questions answered and your needs catered. But why polar graphs? They offer a fantastic and easy way to interpret data, helping you grasp every element.
Besides, polar graphs use a powerful combination of colours and coordinates to identify significant differences in fundamental data points. This blog post incorporates more concise information about polar charts and everything you need to know. Read on!
What is a Polar Graph?
This graph model enables you to display insights into different data points within a radial axis. On most occasions, this visualisation design is mainly used when comparing multivariate data sets. The chart is easy to use since you can easily plot it in a cartesian plane where the x-axis is closely wrapped around the perimeter.
Note that Google sheets are among the most popular data visualisation tools primarily used across the globe. The tool is famous among many professionals due to the fact that you don’t need to pay anything in order to use it. All you have to do in order to use the service is to sign up for the Google mail service, popularly known as Gmail, and you are set to go.
However, you need to understand that Google sheets have a radar chart but do not have polar graphs. All you can do is visualise your data using two different types of polar graphs in your Google sheets. Before you get this up and running, you have to install and run other third-party applications to access ready-made and appealing polar graphs.
Types of Polar Graphs
There are two major types of polar charts. They are outlined in the following discussion!
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Single-Axis Polar Chart
This is among the most popular type of polar graphs used to generate comparison insights from your data. Just like the name suggests, this model comes with a single axis. It works well when you want to visualise the reach of the distribution of different variables.
Also, if you are dealing with data points that have multiple variations, you need to deploy the use of a single-axis polar chart. In addition, the chart can be used to forecast performance by comparing both the historical and current data values.
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Dual Axis Polar Chart
A dual-axis polar chart is mainly used in instances where you want to simultaneously showcase the general performance of two varying metrics. You can use this chart to compare two different metrics within a given time frame.
Also, you can decide to use the graph to forecast performance by comparing the past and the present data to get insights that you can use to scale the growth of your business. Once the chart reads the past data, it identifies patterns and trends vital in forecasting future growth.
The Polar Chart Maker
It is evident that Google sheets are an immediate option for many data professionals and business owners across the globe. The only challenge is that it lacks the polar chart element in its library, which is crucial in the data processing.
In other terms, you cannot get to enjoy the fruits of a polar chart when using Google sheets for all your data processing needs. The truth is that you do not need to create visualisations that your audience will need to decode to get the hidden insights. The focus should always be on creating easy-to-read and understandable data without the need to interpret technical jargon.
Remember that interpreting technical terms is not the job of your target audience, instead, this is likely to drain away from your customers since they will find your data to be of no benefit. The good news is that you have room to supercharge your Google sheets and enhance them to the standards you need.
The only way to make this possible is by adding third-party add-ons to get access to different types of polar graphs. The most recommended add-on is known as ChartExpo. The add-on is super easy to use and friendly to install in your Google sheets. It gives you advanced options that make your work easy and faster when visualising data.
Characteristics of Polar Charts
In a polar chart, both the x and y axes are distributed equally and are uniformly drawn from each other. In other circumstances, the axes are interconnected to formulate different types of grids depending on the data you are visualising. This means that the nature of your data impacts the final output you generate upon data visualisation.
You can opt to use a polar graph in comparing different critical metrics because they are extremely easy to compare. Also, many data experts prefer the use of polar charts over column graphs since they can depict multiple variables at a time. The generated results are always clear to analyse and get the intended insights clearly.
Elements of a Polar Graph
A polar graph comprises different elements that work as a team to create a single entity. They include:
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Axis
Every axis in a polar chart represents a different variable, and a different legend for every data point presented.
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Centre Point
A centre point is referred to as the core of a polar graph, specifically where the coordinates originate.
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Grids
Grids refer to the points where axes meet in a polar chart.
Uses of a Polar Chart
Polar Charts are also known as spider charts or webs. This is because they are capable of presenting multiple variables in your data stories simultaneously. Also, they do not clutter when presenting multiple insights in data stories.
In addition, you can implement the charts when tracking the performance of the key metrics within your data points or business environment. The chart sieves through various elements to create a concise picture that aids in decision-making.
Summary
Data visualisation and the generation of insights from different data sources should never be challenging. Prioritise using a polar chart in solving all your data visualisation needs to get your data needs sorted out. In addition, do not channel all your concentration to Google sheets; consider other add-ons such as ChartExpo to enjoy unlimited data visualisation features.
