Abanico Plots

Although radial plots are the only sensible way to simultaneously visualise the value and precision of quantitative datasets, they are perceived by some as difficult to interpret and therefore inaccessible to the uninitiated. To alleviate this concern, it is useful to combine the radial plot with a probability density estimate. This combination of graphical devices is sometimes called an 'abanico plot'.

To produce an abanico plot, select Options → Output → Radial Plot followed by Options → Settings, and mark the abanico check box. This will generate a Kernel Density Estimate (KDE) which will be plotted along the radial scale on the right side of the output window. The bandwidth of the KDE can either be calculated automatically using the algorithm of Botev et al. (2010), or set to any other value in the text box which will appear in the Settings window once the abanico check box has been selected. Note that for low precision data such as fission tracks, it may be useful to extend the minimum and maximum values of the radial scale in order to see the entire KDE, rather than just the central part of it.

RadialPlotter slightly adjusts the plot dimensions to prevent overlapping labels and symbols. The position of the data points relative to the radial scale and its labels can be further improved by holding the Ctrl-button while clicking the left mouse button in the output window.