Changing Legend Bin Boundaries (from Overlay) in Graph Builder?

Question

Looking for an easier way to do this.

We have a client who is plotting X-Y data with GraphBuilder.  There is also a Z column in the data table.  He wants to color-code the X-Y points based on level of Z data.  Simple enough, use either Overlay or Color for the Z variable.

Trouble is, the Z variable is continuous.  With lots of different Z values, JMP automatically choose the number of bins and the bin cutoffs for selecting the colors.  The customer wants to set these bin parameters manually.  Right now he copies the data into Matlab and generates a graph.

I have a solution (involves using the Step function as a formula in a new Zbins column that I created, then using Zbins as the overlay variable, see attached file), but I'm hoping there is an easier way.  Here's the Zbins formula that I used:

Step( :z, [0.6 0.61 0.62 0.63 0.64 0.65], [0.6 0.61 0.62 0.63 0.64 0.65] )

It works, but it's a bit clumsy.

Thoughts?

GraphBuilderQuestion.jmp

Daniel_Valente · Answer

In JMP 14, you'll be able to do something like this with Custom Functions and Custom Transforms. I'd prob make an intermediate dialog that lets you decide where the binds should be, but you get the idea here. Now that you have a custom function, it will be in the right-click > New Formula Column.

Note the key parameter here is Transform Category (1) .

Add Custom Functions(
	{(((((New Custom Function( "my", "stepBin", Function( {x}, Step(
				x,
				[0.6 0.61 0.62 0.63 0.64 0.65],
				[0.6 0.61 0.62 0.63 0.64 0.65]	)))
	<< Description( "create binned column" ))
	<< Prototype( "" ))
	<< Formula Category( "" ))
	<< Result Type( {"Any"} ))
	<< Transform Category ( 1 ))
	<< Parameter( {"Any"}, "" )}
);

JerryFish · Answer

Thanks Chris.  Changing the limits for the Gradient (if using the Color option in GraphBuilder) gets close, but it isn't exactly what the client wanted.

I did show him how to make the extra column and use the Step function in a formula, and I think he's OK with that.  He said it was much simpler than moving the data to Matlab and manipulating a plot there.  But he also said that he wished there was a simple right-click way to get to a simple menu, as the Step function isn't easy/obvious to find.  I submitted a request for that function to Support@jmp.com.

Thanks!

Chris_Kirchberg · Answer

Hi Jerry,
You can right click on the gradient in the legend and chose Gradient. That will allow you to change the number of bins, the min, max and center as well if it is linear or not. You can't set the actual values of where the bin starts, but it is an easy way to do it.
Would that work for ya?
Chris