SPSS Statistics for Data Analysis and Visualization

Chapter 6 The Code Behind SPSS Graphics: Graphics Production Language

In some ways this chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter. In Chapter 5 we used the Graphboard Template Chooser as a way to introduce Graphics Production Language (GPL). In this chapter the goal is to make GPL as painless as possible, but this time we will be using the Chart Builder. Our opening example will be the closing example from the previous chapter. Then we do a broader overview of GPL including GPL Help and advice on getting started. Finally, we return to the case study approach and have fun with the kinds of charts you can do in GPL. Don’t forget to revisit the examples in Chapter 5. They can all be done in GPL as well.

Introducing GPL: Bubble Chart Case Study

In this example we will begin by recreating the bubble chart we created in Chapter 5; however, in this case we will be using the Chart Builder. We won’t attempt to write the GPL from scratch in a blank window. Even if you had a complete understanding of the language, it would simply not be a good use of time. I never use this approach, and don’t recommend it. This is in part because the GPL code begins with a batch of “boilerplate” code that defines the data to the graphics engine, and pasting from the Chart Builder generates that repetititve code for us. We will either paste SPSS syntax (including GPL commands) from the Chart Builder menu system, or begin with some earlier code that we know to work. In this case, we will copy and ...