Skip to main content

4.2.12 Scatter Chart

Overview

The Scatter Chart plots individual data points as dots in a two-dimensional space. In the default mode each point's X position is the timestamp and its Y position is the metric value — a time-scatter view. For correlation analysis, two attributes are plotted against each other (Y vs. X), revealing the relationship between the two variables.

Scatter chart showing data points in two-dimensional space

Beyond basic plotting, the Scatter Chart supports data aggregation and regression analysis, making it the primary panel type for statistical and correlation-based analysis in TDengine IDMP.

When to Use

Use the Scatter Chart when:

  • You want to explore the relationship between two process variables (e.g., power vs. temperature, flow rate vs. pressure drop)
  • You need to identify clusters or outliers in a dataset
  • You want to fit a regression curve to quantify a relationship
  • You want to plot raw, unsampled data points without aggregation

For continuous line-based trend analysis, use the Trend Chart. For discrete state patterns, use the State Timeline.

Configuration

View Mode Toolbar

In addition to the common view mode controls, the Scatter Chart adds:

ControlDescription
Disable SamplingFetch raw data without downsampling to ensure all individual data points are plotted

Edit Mode Toolbar

In addition to the common edit mode controls, the Scatter Chart adds:

ControlDescription
Disable SamplingToggle raw data mode for the preview
Save as ImageDownload the current preview as a PNG image
Full ScreenExpand the editor preview to fill the browser window
Panel InsightsRun AI analysis on the current preview data

Graph Settings

Point Style

The symbol shape, size, and opacity of each data point are configurable:

Scatter chart symbol shape options

Scatter chart point size and opacity settings

Special Points

The Special Point setting highlights specific data points — such as the maximum or minimum value — with a distinct marker and custom color:

Special point markers highlighting maximum and minimum values

Labels

When data is dense, axis labels can overlap. Use Rotate Labels and Label Interval to improve readability:

Dense axis labels before adjustment

Labels rotated to prevent overlap

Label interval reduced to lower density

SettingDescription
StyleSymbol shape for data points (circle, heart, smiley, and others)
Symbol SizeSize of each dot (slider, default 6)
Scatter OpacityTransparency of dots, 0–1
Special PointHighlight max/min or other specific points with a distinct marker
Rotate LabelsRotation angle for X-axis labels
Label IntervalDensity of X-axis labels

Transform Settings

The Scatter Chart has a unique Transform section for analytical functions:

Data Aggregation groups points into clusters, displayed with distinct colors to enable visual clustering analysis:

Scatter chart with data aggregation showing color-coded clusters

Regression Analysis fits a curve to the data and overlays it on the scatter plot. Supported functions include linear regression, exponential regression, and polynomial regression (with configurable degree):

Scatter chart with regression curve overlaid

Transform Function TypeDescription
OffNo transform; raw data points are plotted
Data AggregationGroups data points and displays aggregated clusters
Regression AnalysisFits a regression curve (linear, exponential, or polynomial) to the data

Axis Settings

Axis Title

Configure Y-axis labels with names and units:

Scatter chart with Y-axis title configured

Dual Y Axis

When two metrics have very different scales, a shared Y axis compresses the smaller signal. Enabling the Right Y Axis assigns each to its own scale:

Scatter chart with two metrics on a shared axis — smaller signal compressed

Scatter chart with dual Y axis — each metric readable

Limits Settings

Limit lines can be overlaid on the scatter plot to mark operating boundaries:

Scatter chart with limit lines

Legend Settings

In Table mode, the legend shows summary statistics. When placed on the Right with Table mode, the legend table width is also adjustable:

Scatter chart legend in table mode with statistics

SettingDescription
ShowDisplay mode: List, Table, or Hidden
PlacementPosition: Bottom or Right
Legend ValuesStatistics shown in Table mode: Last, Min, Max, Mean, Sum, etc.

Example Scenarios

Power vs. temperature correlation. A process engineer plots active power (X dimension) against motor temperature (Y metric) over a month of data. The scatter plot reveals a clear positive correlation — the regression curve quantifies the relationship and the R² value indicates its strength.

Quality clustering. A quality engineer plots two process variables (pressure and temperature) for all batches in a quarter. Data Aggregation colors the clusters — most batches cluster tightly in the green zone, but a handful of outliers in a separate cluster correlate with the failed batches.

Outlier detection. A data engineer enables Disable Sampling to plot every raw reading of a sensor. The Special Point setting highlights the maximum value with a red marker. A clear outlier point significantly above the cluster is identified for investigation.