Permissions: Any Data Central user may create, save, and edit a visualizations privately for personal use. Saving a visualization as public or editing an existing public visualization requires the Data Central Designer privilege.
A Scatter / Bubble chart is a visualization tool that analyzes numerical relationships between variables such as lab test results. These charts help identify patterns by plotting data points based on two or three measures, revealing trends, correlations, and clusters among subjects. A Scatter chart plots data along two numerical axes, while a Bubble chart adds a third measure by varying the bubble size. These charts are widely used in research to compare multiple variables simultaneously, revealing patterns and outliers.
Create a Scatter / Bubble Chart
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From Visualizations in the left navigation, click the New Visualization (+) icon.
- Click Scatter/Bubble to open the Scatter/Bubble Designer window.
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In the Fields section, click the arrows, Data Store names, or Domain names to expand the data. Utilize the Search feature or scroll down to view all available domains and fields.
Tip: Search also supports dot notation, e.g. DataStore.Domain.Field.
Note: System Tables contain operational data that can be used in visualizations. While non-eCS users cannot create visualizations on these tables themselves, they can request that visualizations be built on their behalf through their eClinical Solutions Project Manager, Customer Success Manager, Implementation Consultant, or Tech Services representative. Once created, any user with access to the visualization can view and use it. Tables available for request include: Issue - Tracks issues raised during data review.
Protocol Deviation - Stores protocol deviation records with details.
Protocol Deviation Comments - Stores comments on protocol deviations.
Query - Stores queries to sites.
Review Cycle Status - Tracks review cycle progress.
Review Objectives - Defines goals for data review processes.
Review Objectives Domains and Fields - Links objectives to specific domains and fields.
Review Objectives Review Materials - Associates roles responsible for review tasks.
Review Objectives Reviewer Roles - Assigns roles responsible for review tasks and risks.
Review Objectives Risks - Identifies risks linked to review objectives.
Review Status Metrics by Domain and Role - Measures review progress by domain and role.
Review Status Metrics by Domain and Role and Subject - Tracks review completion per subject, domain, and role.
Subject - Contains subject identifiers and demographics.
Define Measures
A Scatter chart requires at least two measures to plot data on the X-axis and Y-axis. Adding a third measure turns it into a Bubble chart. The fields used for measures should be numeric, capable of aggregation, and should vary along a scale (e.g., lab results or vital signs) for the X-axis, Y-axis, and bubble size. Keep units and time points consistent so values are comparable.
- Drag an appropriate numeric field for the X-axis into the Measures (Axes: x, y, size) section, and a popout displays with configuration options for the measure. Clicking the 3-dot icon opens the popout.
- Select the Aggregate: Count Distinct, Count (default), Sum, Average, Minimum, Maximum, Standard Deviation, and Variance.
- The Label is automatically generated by default, but can be updated if needed.
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Click OK. By default, it also creates a dimension for the Subject field. For more details, see the Define Dimensions section.
- Drag another field for the Y-axis to the Measures (Axes: x, y, size) section for the second measure.
- Select an aggregate from the Aggregate drop-down.
- Enter a Label, or accept the system-generated label.
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Click OK. The chart updates as a Scatter plot.
When hovering over data points, a tooltip displays the Subject ID along with the labels and values of the defined measures.
- Drag an optional third field to the Measures (Axes: x, y, size) section for the size measure.
- Select an aggregate from the Aggregate drop-down.
- Enter a Label, or accept the system-generated label.
- Click OK. The visualization updates as a Bubble chart.
Notice the tooltip now has the third measure added in the details.
Define Dimensions
A Dimension in a Scatter / Bubble chart categorizes data points. It helps organize data, such as grouping averages of lab test results by subject or site. Take note that only one dimension can be added to a Scatter / Bubble chart.
- When the first measure is added to the designer, the Dimension is automatically populated with the configured subject identifier for the measure field's domain. This ensures that each bubble on the chart represents a unique subject.
- The Subject (Subject name or identifier) field from the measure field's domain has been added. The dimension determines how the data is grouped, with each bubble on the chart representing the average values of each field for each subject.
- With only one dimension allowed, users can remove this dimension and add a different one, or configure dynamic dimensions to switch between dimensions. The selected field groups the measures and does not need to be numeric. For more details, refer to the Dynamic Dimensions section.
Note: If the measures are from the same domain, they do not require aggregate selections or a dimension. If no dimension is selected, all records where data exists are plotted as data points and are not grouped by subject.
Dynamic Dimensions
Dynamic Dimensions enable users to switch between dimensions, prompting the chart to update automatically. The dynamic dimensions are presented at the top of the chart along the X-axis in two different formats, appearing as toggle buttons or a dropdown menu. Fields used for dynamic dimensions must belong to the same domain.
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To add an additional Dimension that can be toggled between dynamically, click the 3-dot icon to the right of the default Subject field in the Dimension (optional) section, and the Dynamic Dimensions popout opens.
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Click the Additional Dimensions textbox and select a field from the popout list which contains all the fields in the selected dimension's domain.
Note: Up to 10 Dynamic Dimensions can be selected within the same domain.
- Display As Pills is checked by default. This option determines how dynamic dimensions are displayed on the chart along the X-axis.
- Labels are automatically generated for dynamic dimensions.
- To remove a dynamic dimension, click the 'X' to the right of the field name.
- After configuring the dimensions, click OK.
The published Scatter / Bubble chart displays the Dynamic Dimensions as either pills or a popout along the X-axis from which to select. The chart updates based on the selection for the dimension.
When Display as Pills is checked, click a pill to toggle between dimensions:
When Display as Pills is unchecked, there is a drop-down to select the dimension to view:
Define the Legend
In a Scatter / Bubble chart, the Legend groups data points by color according to the selected field while the Dimension field determines grouping and placement; the legend only alters bubble color and does not change grouping or position. For example, when using a demographic field (e.g., Sex, Ethnicity, Age), subjects are color-coded but bubbles remain in place. The legend field is optional and may not always be practical to use.
- Drag an appropriate field into the Legend section and a popout opens. Accept the default of Scatter / Bubble for the Legend Type.
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Click OK and the chart updates.
Notice the tooltip now has the legend added in the details.
Apply Filters to Measures / Dimensions / Legends
A filter can be applied to a Measure, Dimension, or a Legend using fields that belong to the same domain as the Measure / Dimension / Legend. Keep in mind that only one filter condition can be applied to each Measure / Dimension / Legend.
- Click the Filter icon to the right of the field name to open the popout.
- Use the default setting, Include Selections, or change to Exclude Selections.
- Click Filter Field to open the list and select the field to filter by.
- Click Operator to open list and select =, <, >, Null or Empty, or Between.
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Click Filter Value(s) to open list and select the values to filter by.
- Click OK. The chart opens filtered by the selected values and the filter icon becomes shaded.
Tip: Click in the whitespace to close the popout if the OK button is not visible.
Note: To filter out NULL values for measures, dimensions, legend or the entire chart, select the Exclude Selections radio button and then choose the field to filter. Select the Null or Empty operator and click OK.
Note that the Dynamic Filter option is not allowed for the Null or Empty operator.
Apply Dynamic Filters
Dynamic Filters let users select predefined values from a popout menu at the top of the published chart. When viewing the table, users can pick one or multiple values from the popout menu, which immediately updates the chart to display the selected filter values.
Measure, Dimension, and Chart filters can be configured as dynamic.
- Turn on Dynamic Filters by clicking the toggle switch.
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Click the Optional Default Filter Value(s) and select the default values for the published chart. The list displays values that are defined in the original filter before it is converted to a dynamic filter. When opened, the chart is filtered using the selected defaults.
If Select All is checked, the chart opens unfiltered, allowing viewers to choose values in the dynamic filter; the chart updates as selections change.
If no default value(s) are configured, the chart opens filtered by the first value in the list.
- Click OK.
Tip: To collapse or expand each section (Measure (Axes: x, y, size), Dimensions (optional), Legend (optional), Filters), click the down / up arrows. Click the box icon to view only one section and collapse all other sectionss.
Note: In the Measures section, each field is accompanied by a green badge that indicates the axis, as well as a filter icon. The filter icon appears solid blue if a filter has been applied. Additionally, users can see the data store, domain name, and label for each field. When hovering over the field, a tooltip displays additional details regarding any filters or aggregates associated with the measure.
Apply Chart Filters
The filters applied in this section affect the entire visualization and are not limited to a single domain like the filters for measures, dimensions, or legend. This flexibility makes filter creation more versatile.
- From the Fields section, select a field to filter the entire chart by and drag it into the Filters section and a popout opens.
- Use the default setting, Include Selections, or change to Exclude Selections.
- Click Operator to open list and choose =, <, >, Null or Empty, or Between.
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Click Filter Value(s) to open list and select the values to filter by.
- Click OK. The chart opens filtered by the selected values. Up to 25 filters may be added.
- To apply Dynamic Filters to the chart refer to the Apply Dynamic Filters section.
Note: Each Dynamic Filter, whether defined for a Measure, a Dimension, or at the Chart level, appears as a popout menu at the top of the published chart, allowing users to select one or more values. When users hover over any filter control, a tooltip shows the current selections.
Reorder / Remove Fields
Fields can be reordered or removed from any section in the designer window.
- Reorder Fields: Click and hold the 6-dot icon next to a field and drag it above or below another field.
- Remove Fields: Click the 'X' at the right of a field.
Add Chart Description
Enter a Chart Description in the text field above the preview in the chart designer. When the published visualization is viewed, this description displays at the top of the chart.
Export / Import Scatter / Bubble Chart Configuration
After creating or editing a Scatter / Bubble chart, the configuration can be exported or imported directly from the designer window. This allows users to easily replicate their Scatter / Bubble charts across different environments, eliminating the need to recreate them manually.
Export a Scatter / Bubble Chart Configuration
Click the Export icon in the upper right corner of the designer window. The configuration file downloads automatically.
Import a Scatter / Bubble Chart Configuration
When importing a chart configuration, the created chart must match the exported chart type to ensure compatibility and consistency.
- Click the New Visualization (+) icon and select Scatter/Bubble.
- After the designer window opens, click the Import icon in the upper right corner.
- In the popout, upload the configuration file.
Note: Users with the Data Central privilege can export or import thier own chart configurations. Users with the Data Central Designer privilege can also export and import chart configurations created by other users.
Toolbar Icons & Actions
Each chart includes a toolbar in the top right corner (in both the chart designer and the published chart), with icons that vary based on the chart type. Below are the icons available for a Scatter / Bubble chart.
| Icon | Icon Name | Description |
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| Edit* | Click to open Chart Designer window. | |
| Add Filter* | Click to open a popout window to enter filter parameters. This filter applies to the panel only and does not appear in the Filter Panel in the left navigation. | |
| 3-dot* | Opens a popover menu with additional visualization options. This icon provides access to less frequently used tools that are hidden to keep the toolbar streamlined. | |
| Tooltips | Click to activate / deactivate the tooltips that display when hovering over a chart. | |
| Rotate Chart | Click to rotate the chart (switch the X-axis and Y-axis). | |
| Series Label | Click to show / hide series labels within the chart. | |
| Crosshairs | Deactivated by default; click the icon to activate it. Crosshairs display when the user hovers over the chart. | |
| Zoom Out | Click to zoom out and view the entire chart (without the scrollbars on top). By default, a chart opens, displaying a readable amount of data, and the user can use the scrollbar at the top to move right and left. | |
| Drag to Zoom | Click to activate. Once it is activated, click and drag over the section of the chart to zoom in on. | |
| Notes | Click to see Chart Notes (added during advanced chart configuration). | |
| Exporting | Click to access a popout menu to print or export to PDF, PNG, or JPG. | |
| Advanced** | Only in the chart designer; click to open the Advanced Chart Settings, which opens on the left side of the window. | |
| Dock* | Click to dock the visualization to the worksheet. | |
| Maximize* | Click to maximize visualization. |
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| Restore* | Click to restore the visualization to previous size. |
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| Close* | Click to close. |
* Available in published chart only
** Available in designer only
Note: When an icon is highlighted blue, it indicates that it is activated / on, whereas when an icon is gray it is deactivated / off.
Advanced Chart Settings
The advanced chart settings allow users to configure axis positions, labels, legends, and more, customizing the chart's display for its intended purpose.
- To open the Advanced Chart Settings window:
- Click the Advanced button at the bottom right of the chart designer window.
- Click the Advanced icon to the right in the designer window toolbar.
- The Advanced Chart Settings window opens at the left displaying the current settings.
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Y-Axis Position (Measure): In the designer window, this setting is labeled with the same label as the Y-axis measure field. For example:
<Aggregate> of <Y-axis Measure Field> Axis Position:- Left
- Right
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X-Axis Position (Measure): In the designer window, this setting is labeled with the same label as the X-axis measure field. For example:
<Aggregate> of <X-axis Measure Field) Axis Position:- Top
- Bottom
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Horizontal Axis Label Display:
- Standard
- Stagger
- Rotate
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Axis Label Visibility:
- Show
- Hide
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Zoom Type:
- Box
- X-Axis
- Y-Axis
- This setting determines how users interact with the Drag to Zoom feature.
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Legend Position:
- Outside
- Inside
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Legend Horizontal Alignment:
- Center
- Right
- Left
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Legend Vertical Alignment:
- Bottom
- Top
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Palette:
- Select from a list of color schemes (Material is default).
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Horizontal and Vertical Reference Line:
- Upper Limit
- Lower Limit
- Click the '+' sign to add additional reference lines.
- Click the 'X' to remove lines.
- To reset, click the back arrow.
- Click the 3-dot icon, and a configuration popout provides options to enter a label, choose the line color, adjust the line width, select the line style, and highlight outlying data.
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Horizontal and Vertical Highlight Strip:
- Start Value
- End Value
- Users can add additional strips by clicking the '+' icon.
- Remove them by clicking the 'X' on the right.
- To reset, click the back arrow.
- Click the 3-dot icon on the right to open a configuration popout for the highlight color, font color, and label.
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Chart Notes:
- Add text to describe the chart. Once a note has been added, the icon in the toolbar is displayed.
- To close the Advanced Chart Settings window:
- Click the 'X' in the top right corner.
- Click the Advanced button on the bottom right of the page.
- Click the Advanced icon in the toolbar.
- Click Save to save the changes or click Cancel and any changes are canceled.
Save / Save As
When first creating a visualization, only the Save button displays in the bottom right corner. Once a visualization is saved, both the Save and Save As buttons display.
When a saved visualization opens in the Chart Designer, the header displays the title, followed by the word Preview. A blue badge displays to the right of the title and shows the number of segments currently shown in the visualization.
The Save Chart window opens when users click Save for the first time or by clicking Save As.
Tip: Clicking Save As on an existing visualization allows users to duplicate the chart with another name or save the visualization as a new one with different settings from the original visualization, whereas clicking Save updates the existing visualization.
When the Save Chart window opens, users can enter or edit Save options.
- Enter the Name of the Chart (maximum 100 characters allowed).
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Select the folder where the table is to be saved.
Note: If users have the Data Central Designer privilege, they may also add a new folder by hovering over a current folder and clicking the add folder icon. Remember, managing folders after they are created (editing and deleting) is done through the Manage icon in the top right on the master header of the Data Central Landing page.
- Select the Public or Private radio button. Only users with the Data Central Designer privilege are able to select Public.
- Select the Roles (visible when saving public only, grayed out if the visualization is private). Users with the selected role(s) see and have access to the visualization.
- Update the Scope: By default, the study the user is currently in, is selected. Click the drop-down next to Therapeutic Areas, Compounds, Programs, or Studies, and update as needed.
- Click Save to confirm save settings or Cancel to cancel changes.
Edit a Scatter / Bubble Chart
Visualizations can be edited for their content, which includes the data they represent, the description, and advanced settings. Visualization settings (found in the Save window) can also be updated and saved under a new name, to a different folder location, changed from private to public (Data Central Designer privileges required), assigned different roles (if public), and adjusted with a new scope.
Edit Content
- Hover over the visualization to edit.
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Click the Edit icon. The Scatter/Bubble Designer window opens.
Note: Users may also click the Edit icon in the published chart's toolbar to open the designer window.
- Edit any field in the Measures(Axes: x,y,size), Dimension, Legend, or Filters sections as needed.
- Edit the Description.
- Access Advanced Settings and make any changes.
- Click Save to update existing chart OR click Save As to save as a new chart.
Edit Settings
- Hover over the visualization to edit the settings.
- Click the Configure icon to open the Save Chart window.
- Make updates in the Save window.
- Click Save to confirm changes or Cancel to discard changes.
Delete a Visualization
Saved Visualizations, Workspaces, Filter Sets, and Advanced Filters are deleted from the Manage icon in the master header. Users must have the Data Central Designer privilege to delete items saved as public; however, all Data Central users can delete items they have saved as private.
- Click the Manage icon in the master header. The Manage window opens.
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Hover over the name of the item to delete.
Tip: Hover over the icon at the left of the item name to see a tooltip that identifies the type of item, for example, Saved Workspace, Advanced Filter, or type of Visualization.
- Click the Delete icon.
- In the Delete Item confirmation window, click Delete or click Cancel to cancel the action.