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Polar graph

Polar graphs are essentially line graphs in circular form. They let you chart values on the basis of angles

The polar graph is essentially a line graph drawn on a circular grid, showing trends in values on the basis of angles. Like logarithmic graphs, polar graphs are useful primarily in mathematical and engineering applications.

• In a polar graph, the independent variable is charted on the angular axis, based on an origin (zero point) of three o’clock. The dependent variable is charted on the radial axis, with the origin at the center of the circle.
  
  
• Polar graphs can chart multiple data sets, each represented by a single line, with as many data points as are meaningful.
  
  
• If you don’t supply an angular position for each data point, Graphics Server automatically places the first point at an angle of 0, with subsequent points at increments of 360 (degrees) divided by the total number of points.
  
  
• In drawing a polar graph, you can use any combination of lines, symbols, and “sticks” drawn between points and the center origin. See the example above and the ones on the next page.
  
  

Use a polar graph...

• To graph according to angles or other criteria particularly suited to a circular format.
  
  
• To graph repeating data sets that flow into each other. For example, you can graph temperatures hour by hour for several consecutive days, representing each day in a different color or pattern.
  
  

Other graph types to consider

• Any data set you can chart on a polar graph can also be shown on a line graph. Line graphs are usually more readable, but they can’t represent angles graphically or show multiple data sets linked end to end.

You can draw symbols for each data point instead of (or along with) lines.		Sticks are drawn between data points and the center origin.