How to create a parallel coordinates plot using matplotlib python

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by vigneshchennai74 dot icon Updated: May 9, 2023

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A parallel coordinates plot is a data visualization method. We can use it to analyze and present data that contains many variables. It is especially effective for visualizing high-dimensional data. We can monitor it happens when variables and compared across several dimensions. We can represent each variable by a distinct vertical axis and each data point in this plot. We can represent it by a line connecting the appropriate values on each axis. We can pattern it within large data sets. Viewers may compare the values of different variables across dimensions and investigate links.


Python packages can use to construct a parallel coordinates plot. We can display various data types, from categorical replies to numerical data. We can also investigate the correlations between various iris dataset properties. They can be the petal length, width, sepal width, and Sepal Length. Examining the plot allows one to find patterns and correlations. We may need to clarify it in other plots, such as scatterplots or bar charts. Parallel coordinate charts are useful for analyzing multidimensional data sets. They allow for simultaneous visualization and investigation of variables, patterns, and connections.

Data Types:

A distinct vertical axis represents each variable and a line. It connects the values of each variable for each data point.

  • Categorical data: We can assign a numerical value to each category and plot. We can assign those on the associated axis.
  • Graph data: Examples include bar charts and radar charts. Each axis represents a separate variable. We can represent the data as bars or lines linking the relevant values on each axis. 
  • High-dimensional data: We can compare many variables over many dimensions. It will make typical plot styles difficult to visualize. It can assist in finding patterns and correlations by visualizing such data.
  • Multivariate data: We can measure many variables and compare those in multivariate data. It also compares the relationships between these variables. You must visualize and analyze it.
  • Multidimensional data: We can measure the data over many dimensions. It can be time or geography and the connections between these dimensions. We should visualize and analyze them.

Charts:

We can use the parallel coordinates to graph data, which can include: 

  • Bar charts: We can represent each variable by a different axis in a bar chart. We can represent the values of each variable for each data point by bars on the corresponding axis. 
  • Radar charts: We present the radar charts are diagrams. It's where each variable is by an axis radiating from the plot's center. We can represent the values of each variable for each data point. It can be by a line that connects the corresponding values on each axis.
  • Other graph data types are box, scatter, or heat maps. It's where a separate axis represents each variable. We can represent the values of each variable for each data point. We can do it in the corresponding location on the plot.

Parallel Coordinates:

Parallel coordinates can visualize data in a graph format. It will enable viewers to compare. It will help analyze the values of many variables across many dimensions. It can be challenging to do using traditional graphing methods. Using parallel coordinates for graph data can simplify visualization. It will allow for more effective data analysis.


Parallel coordinates plots may generate many graph types. It can be scatter, line, and bar graphs. It can emphasize various patterns and relationships in the data. These many graph formats help visualize various data. 

  • Scatter plots: A point on the plot represents each data point. The values of each variable determine the location of the point for that data point. It will be between the variables under consideration. We can use the graphic style to detect patterns or links. 
  • Line plots: Show each data point by connecting the matching values. We can connect the matching values of each variable for that data point. Viewers may compare the values of different variables across several dimensions. It can spot trends or patterns in the data by plotting many lines on the same plot.
  • Bar plots: Each variable has its axis. We represent the values of the variables by bars on the associated axis. This plot presents categorical data. It can detect patterns or correlations between the categorical variables displayed. It allows viewers to compare bar heights across many dimensions.


Data analysts and researchers may visualize large data sets. It can get significant insights into the correlations and patterns between different variables. We can do it by using parallel coordinates to produce these displays.


It involves summarizing and visualizing features. It can be like the mean, median, mode, range, and variance. These graphs may visualize data distribution over many dimensions. Then we can find trends or outliers. Viewers may understand the elements of the data set by analyzing the visualization.


We can use inferential statistics to make inferences. It can be about a population based on a data sample. Data analysts can draw assumptions about the population. We can do it based on the sample data by analyzing the plot. We can use parallel coordinate charts to visualize the relationship between many factors. It can detect any known connections or correlations.


Determining the connection between a dependent variable and independent variables is regression analysis. It can detect any notable linkages or correlations. Data analysts can find the appropriate model for predicting the dependent variable. It depends on the independent factors in analyzing the plot. We can use parallel coordinate charts to visualize the relationship between many variables. Parallel coordinate plots are an effective data analysis tool for various statistical procedures. By utilizing these charts, data analysts and researchers. They can get significant insights into complicated data sets and make better-educated judgments.

Tips for creating a parallel coordinate plot:

  • Choose a consistent data set: It is vital to use a consistent dataset. It includes the same variables and data types. This will ensure we interpret the plot and compare it across different dimensions. It will help you create an effective parallel coordinates plot. 
  • Choose a consistent graph type: Different plots, including scatter, line, and bar plots. Choosing a consistent graph type that best fits the data is important. It should also suit the research question.
  • Normalize the data: We can scale the plots to work best when the variables are within a common range. Normalizing the data ensures that each variable is equal in weight and we can read the plot. 
  • Label the axes: Labeling the axes of the plot is important. It can be with clear and descriptive names for each variable. This will help viewers understand the meaning of each variable. We can interpret the plot. 
  • Use colors and legends: We can use colors to help viewers interpret the plot. It can be between different groups or data categories. It's also helpful to include a legend to explain the meaning of the colors or markers used in the plot.
  • Explore different plot types: We can experiment to find the best fit for the analyzed data. This may include using different types of lines or markers. It is exploring different ways of representing the data.

Tips and best practices:

We can read and interpret to create effective parallel coordinate plots. It will provide valuable insights into complex data sets. By following these tips and best practices, researchers and data analysts.

  • Understand the variables represented: It depicts multidimensional data with a vertical axis. It will represent a separate variable. We can connect by comprehending what each axis represents and how the variables are. 
  • Seek patterns and trends: You may spot patterns or trends in the data. We can do it by inspecting the lines or markers on the graphic. We can cluster together and look for groupings of data points or lines sloping up or down.
  • Determine outliers: Outliers are data points outside a variable's predicted range. You may spot outliers and analyze why they arise by inspecting a graphic. 
  • Perform statistical analysis: Parallel coordinated plots can perform various statistical analyses. It can include descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and regression analysis. By analyzing the data, you can better understand the relationships. The relationships can be between variables and how they impact each other.
  • Consider the following: It is critical to read and keep the data context and research issue. Consider how the data relates to a certain business or market. You can also consider how changes influence economic or environmental factors.


Following these recommendations and best practices, you may understand parallel coordinate charts. It can get important insights into complicated data sets.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these plots help analyze multidimensional data. It can provide gain insights into complex data sets. They represented data on many axes and parallel. The coordinated plots allow us to identify patterns, trends, and outliers. It might not be visible in traditional plot types. They can perform statistical analyses, like descriptive, inferential, and regression analysis.


These are essential for any data analyst or researcher to understand complex datasets. Using parallel coordinates plots helps between variables and how they impact each other. This can be particularly valuable in finance, marketing, and scientific research. It is where large data sets with many variables are common. We can make more informed decisions by understanding these relationships. It can help improve our models and predictions. It can identify areas for further research. It can happen by incorporating this visualization technique into our analysis. We can unlock new insights and improve our ability to make data-driven decisions.

Preview of the output that you will get on running this code in your IDE

Code

In this solution we have used parallel_coordinates is a plotting function in the "pandas.plotting" module of the Python Pandas library

Environment Tested

I have tested this solution with following versions. Be mindful of changes when working with other versions


  1. This solution is created and executed in Python 3.7.15 version.
  2. This solution is tested on matplotlib 3.5.3 version.
  3. This solution is tested on numpy 1.21.6 version
  4. This solution is tested on pandas 1.3.5 version


The parallel coordinates plot is a powerful tool for exploratory data analysis and helps in gaining insights into complex datasets. .This process also facilities an easy to use, hassle free method to create a hands-on working version of code which would help us create a parllel coordinates using matplotlib.

Dependent Library

pandasby pandas-dev

Python doticonstar image 38689 doticonVersion:v2.0.2doticon
License: Permissive (BSD-3-Clause)

Flexible and powerful data analysis / manipulation library for Python, providing labeled data structures similar to R data.frame objects, statistical functions, and much more

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            pandasby pandas-dev

            Python doticon star image 38689 doticonVersion:v2.0.2doticon License: Permissive (BSD-3-Clause)

            Flexible and powerful data analysis / manipulation library for Python, providing labeled data structures similar to R data.frame objects, statistical functions, and much more
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                      numpyby numpy

                      Python doticonstar image 23755 doticonVersion:v1.25.0rc1doticon
                      License: Permissive (BSD-3-Clause)

                      The fundamental package for scientific computing with Python.

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                                numpyby numpy

                                Python doticon star image 23755 doticonVersion:v1.25.0rc1doticon License: Permissive (BSD-3-Clause)

                                The fundamental package for scientific computing with Python.
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                                          matplotlibby matplotlib

                                          Python doticonstar image 17559 doticonVersion:v3.7.1doticon
                                          no licences License: No License (null)

                                          matplotlib: plotting with Python

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                                                    matplotlibby matplotlib

                                                    Python doticon star image 17559 doticonVersion:v3.7.1doticonno licences License: No License

                                                    matplotlib: plotting with Python
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                                                              If you don't have this matplotlib , pandas and numpy Library that required to run this code. You can install by clicking the above link and copying the pip install command from the matplotlib page in Kandi. You can search any Library Like matplotlib ,numpy ,pandas in kandi

                                                              FAQ 

                                                              What is a parallel coordinates plot, and how do I create one with Python?  

                                                              A parallel coordinates plot is a visualization technique used to plot multivariate data. It involves plotting variables on parallel axes, each representing a variable. Then connecting the data points with lines. 


                                                              How can I import a ticker to my Python environment to plot parallel coordinates?  

                                                              You can import the ticker by adding the following line of code at the beginning of your Python script: 

                                                              import matplotlib.ticker as ticker 


                                                              What plots can we use when making a parallel coordinates plot using Python? 

                                                              We can use Python plots to make a parallel coordinates plot, including scatter, line, and box plots. 


                                                              How do Plotly Graph Objects work to create a parallel coordinates plot with Python? 

                                                              Plotly Graph Objects provide a high-level interface for creating interactive plots in Python. You can use the px.parallel_coordinates() function when creating a parallel coordinates plot. It helps generate the plot. 


                                                              What is the purpose of many parallel axes when creating a parallel coordinates plot? 

                                                              The purpose of having parallel axes is to visualize the relationships between many variables. This can help to identify patterns and trends. It may not be visible in individual plots or single-axis visualizations. 

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