Graphing ranges and positions for cross section data

[Tatha]

Hello All,

I’m a long time Eviews user, but mainly deal with time series data. This time, however, I am attempting to create a graph using cross section data – so would appreciate any help you can give.

What would be the easiest way to graph the following: there are 5 variables on which say 30 countries are being ranked; each country has to have its own graph in which the 5 variable names appear on the x-axis, the y-axis shows a line/spike/bar which denotes the entire (min-max) range of that variable in the sample of 30 and then superimposes the specific country’s data value within that range using a dot/symbol. Additionally, the 5 dots for the 5 variables need annotations next to them (which label the data value).

I would then loop through a set of countries and plot where each country features (relative to sample range) on the 5 attributes.

Before I embark on writing a program, I wanted to get a prelim feedback from the experts whether they think that this can be achieved in Eviews or whether one or other problem will become insurmountable.

Best regards, Tatha

[EViews Gareth]

I can't really visualise what you're asking. But can't you just put the series in a group, graph the group, then set the sample to each observation.

[Tatha]

Hi Gareth,

It’s a bit similar to what the Eviews manual shows under categorical plots (box plot option). The range of sample variation is plotted like a bar, and within that bar, a symbol is plotted to show where a country lies on the range of variation.

Or, one can visualise a open-low-close type graph that is used on time series, only I need that style within cross section data. And, I definitely need the ability to annotate the data value on such a chart.

I can email you an example achieved by hand in Excel, but maybe you get the drift already...

Thanks
Tatha

[EViews Gareth]

Just attach the image of the graph you want to the forum.

[Tatha]

Hi,

Here is an example for any 1 country in a sample. I need to generate it using command language for, say, 30 countries. Those orange bars would be the same in all charts (that's range of entire sample), but the green dots would move relative to the range as you change the country.

Thanks

Sample graph

Tatha.png (35.57 KiB) Viewed 12143 times

[EViews Gareth]

I don't think that type of graph would be possible.

[Tatha]

Ok, still thanks for having a look Gareth.

[Tatha]

I guess the simple trick that would solve my problem would be the ability to 'layer' (e.g. ggplot in R) or superimpose (e.g. Mathematica) graphs in the multiple graph function. Then I would just do a spike chart for the range, and a line chart for the data-points separately, then show them layered/superimposed. Maybe worth adding to the wish list?

[Tatha]

Actually, I can do it now. the command:

spike(l) x y

works on cross section data as usual. Then I change the line graph to show only symbol (this generates the green data points).

[Tatha]

I guess I'm still finding myself unable to display the data value next to the points, or any way of annotating data labels next to the points in a programmatic way....

Is there a way around this?

[Tatha]

Finally, I can work around this by using the addtext command with specific coordinates.