When talking about data in the inputfile for AnRep3D, the series to be visualised is usually abbreviated as RPEA: Revenue, Profit, Equity and (Total) Assets. Yet, on several occasions I emphasised the possibility to choose alternative values. In previous posts examples were given with e.g Gross Profit or EBITDA instead of just Profit and some time ago we even presented the energy mix of different countries in time. E.g: Abusing the AnRep3D-generator visualising energy sources II
The resulting graphs are interesting and there is no reason whatsoever to avoid alternative applications, but at the same time I was worried about the documentation. Of course a graph can be distributed with comments, explaining what is shown. At the same time however, those comments are not connected to the graph and therefore the graph itself does not explain which kind of input was used.
This could be solved by a legend in the graph, but for a 3D graph a flat list is not an option. It should point to the right directions. After several months, the absence of such a legend began to annoy me. Remember, I use my own generator and therefore I am not only a supplier, but also a customer, providing me with feedback as much as others do.
Last week I finally decided to experiment with the output-file. I’m not a programmer, but will be able to add functionality to the generator. Before doing so, I had to find out the best options and this was done by manipulating an output file directly. As explained before, the output-file is basically embedded X3D (the successor of VRML – Virtual Reality Modeling (Markup) Language) and I know how to deal with it.
After some experiments I was able to create a nice version with a 3D legend in it. Although the generator still has to be adjusted, an example of an upcoming graph-type is shown below.
The legend is not really part of the graph, but hovers at a lower plane, in the front. At the same time a part of the legend is visible. Would it be out of scope, a lot of people wouldn’t notice it. So I chose to put it in a place where a part is visible from the start.
During the next couple of weeks I will be working on a new version of the AnRep3D generator, putting a 3D legend in the graph automatically. The three axes and the “roof” will need their own text, which means that the parameter-line will be extended. It also means a new manual, a new demo-package and e.g. new videos. A lot of work and of course it would be nice to get some feedback. Visit our website for more information or contact us for e.g. a license at (anrep3d@gmail.com).
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Annual reports presented as 3D graphs 