GAUGE graphice type best practice ?

[sanchoniathon]

Hi to all,

1- Is there some best practice web site or link in regards to the GAUGE graphic type ?
2- Besides the hlep file or what is already available on the IBM Training manual for ReportStudio.
3- I've never had the chance to create such type of graphic and i was wondering if there was some kind of best practice or advice or what ever usefull.

Thanks in advance for any valuable feed-back !

[navissar]

That's a big question, that has to do with a large volume of knowledge, regarding data visualisation and user experience. Here are some general rules of thumb :
1.gauges are used for measuring one item against another, usually actual vs.  Planned, target or budget. The numbers on the clock would represent the target, and the hand would represent the actual value.
2.it isn't good practice to have too many hands. How many are too many? Depends who you're asking. Some say 3 or less. Some put the number as high as five. To me, it's 1. I'd rather display a series of gauges than one with more than one hand.
3.although you can use quarter radial, it is seldom a good practice. The gauge is more difficult to read. Use semi or full radials.
Good luck!

[sanchoniathon]

Thank you for the reply.

:)

[sanchoniathon]

Hi to all,

First time i'm actually doing a GAGUE graphic and i need to create many of them bu i don't really know where to start and maybe some quick start on an example would help me.

I need to display a gauge in order to compare between thess 2 metrics:  [Units this year] and [Units last year]

3- Can someone please let me know the basic lines on how these 2 metrics can be displayed on the GAUGE ?
What goes in the Default measure ? ==> Is it the standard TOTAL SALES metric
What goes in the Series ?          ==> Is it my 2 metrics i want to compare ? Or simply one of them ?
What goes in the Categories ?      ==> Is it the other metric ?
What about the Default Axis
   

Thanks in advance for any valuable feed-back !