Visualizations
Introduction
Visualization Panels are essential tools for data visualization and effectively presenting information through various visual elements. Explore a diverse range of charts, tables, gauges, metrics, heatmaps, and more to display your data in a manner that suits your requirements. Each panel type offers unique features and benefits, enabling you to create impactful visualizations effortlessly.
Visualization panels are divided into two categories, i.e., Predefined Panel and Custom Panel. Each panel features a query editor specific to its data source, allowing you to craft queries for visualizing your chosen data. Let's now take a closer look at each panel type to understand their distinct feature.
Predefined Panel
Area Chart
An Area Chart is used to display time-series data and show how values change over time. It connects data points with a line and fills the area below the line to highlight the magnitude of change. It is useful for analyzing trends, comparing multiple data series, and understanding cumulative patterns.
Line Chart
A Line Chart is used to show how a value changes across a continuous sequence such as time, dates, or intervals. It connects data points with lines, making it easy to identify trends, spikes, drops, and changes over time. It is useful for comparing multiple metrics, systems, or services in a single view.
Heatmap
A Heatmap represents data using color variations across two dimensions. Each cell shows a value, and the color intensity helps users quickly understand the magnitude of that value. It is useful for identifying patterns, high-activity periods, unusual spikes, and value distribution across time or ranges.
Pie Chart
A Pie Chart displays data as slices of a circle, where each slice represents a category’s contribution to the total value. It is useful for showing percentage or proportional distribution across a small number of categories. It helps users quickly identify which category contributes the most without analyzing detailed tables.
Data Table
A Data Table displays information in a structured row-and-column format. It is useful when users need to view exact values, compare records, or analyze data across time, groups, or metrics. It also supports options such as pagination, color coding, thresholds, value mappings, and data links for deeper analysis.
Gauge Chart
A Gauge Chart displays a single value using a dial-like visual, similar to a speedometer. The value is interpreted against colored ranges such as normal, warning, or critical. It is useful for quickly understanding the current status of performance-based metrics.
Metric
A Metric panel displays one important value in a simple and easy-to-read format. It is useful when users need to view totals, KPIs, quick comparisons, or threshold-based values at a glance. It helps reduce visual complexity and supports fast operational review.
HTML Widget
An HTML Widget allows users to create custom dashboard content using HTML. It can be used to add headings, separators, formatted blocks, reference links, and other visual elements. It helps organize large dashboards and improves readability for operations and support teams.
Business Chart
A Business Chart helps users create dynamic, interactive, and highly customizable charts in vuSmartMaps dashboards. It is useful when standard predefined panels are not enough for specific business or analytical requirements. It allows teams to present operational data with custom layouts, chart behavior, and interactions.
Custom Panel
Matrix Visualization
Matrix Visualization displays aggregated metric values in a structured row-and-column format. It helps users compare values across two category dimensions, where each cell represents the metric value for a specific row and column combination. It is useful for comparing grouped data, identifying patterns, and highlighting critical values using thresholds or color coding.
Insight Visualization
Insight Visualization helps present actionable information, recommendations, and root-cause context in a simple dashboard panel. It is useful when users need to understand complex operational data without manually analyzing large datasets. Insights can be created using Text, HTML, or Markdown cards and can be connected with data models and variables for dynamic analysis. To learn more about insight visualization refer to this link.
Unified Transaction Map
A Unified Transaction Map visually represents the end-to-end flow of components, nodes, and links within a network, application, or business transaction. It helps users understand service relationships, transaction stages, and key metrics across connected components in a single view. UTM is useful for analyzing transaction flow, identifying impacted components, and monitoring business journey performance. To learn more about UTM refer to this link.
FAQs
How are Visualization Panels categorized?
Visualization Panels are categorized into two main types: Predefined Panels and Custom Panels. Predefined Panels come with preset designs tailored to specific data types, while Custom Panels offer more flexibility for users to create their own unique visualizations. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the documentation
How can Visualization Panels help in tracking business performance?
Visualization Panels offer a suite of tools tailored to tracking business performance metrics. For instance, Line Charts are great for visualizing trends over time, while Gauge Charts provide a clear snapshot of key performance indicators. Additionally, Insight Visualizations offer actionable recommendations based on data analysis, empowering users to make informed decisions. Check out the documentation for real-world examples and best practices.
How can Visualization Panels simplify complex data presentation?
Visualization Panels offer several features aimed at simplifying complex data presentation. Insight Visualizations, for example, provide deep insights into data trends and patterns, making it easier for users of all skill levels to understand and act upon data. By leveraging these tools, users can streamline their data presentation process and drive more informed decision-making. Dive deeper into our documentation to unlock the full potential of Visualization Panels.
I'm having trouble presenting tabular data effectively. What should I use?
If you're struggling to present tabular data effectively, consider using the Matrix Visualization Panel. This robust tool allows for the presentation of aggregated metrics across various groups, with features such as color coding and customizable row and column organization.
I am uncertain about how to visually represent network or transaction flow. Do you have any recommendations?
Visualizing network or transaction flow can be challenging, but our Unified Transaction Map (UTM) Panel is specifically designed to address this need. By visually representing the flow of components within a network or transaction, the UTM Panel provides valuable insights into key metrics and transaction phases. Explore our documentation for tips and best practices on using the UTM Panel.
How can I create custom visualizations for my dashboard?
Creating custom visualizations for your dashboard is made easy with the HTML Widget Visualization Panel. This feature allows you to leverage HTML code to craft unique visuals tailored to your specific needs. With features like error spotting, autocomplete, and collapsible HTML tags, the HTML Widget Panel offers unparalleled flexibility and functionality. Get started with creating custom visuals by referring to our documentation.
How do I choose the right visualization panel for my data?
Choosing the right panel depends on your data type and objective:
- For trend analysis: use Line Charts or Area Charts.
- For category comparison: use Pie Charts or Data Tables.
- For advanced insights: try Insight Visualization or UTM panels.
Can I customize the look of predefined visualizations without using HTML?
Yes! Most predefined panels offer configuration options such as:
- Color schemes
- Thresholds
- Data formatting
- Other display settings
You can personalize your visualizations directly from the settings menu in the panel editor, without writing any code.
