The Graphical Interface
by Sharon Kardia

From SPSS
Version 4.0 for Windows 95, NT and 3.1

This is a stand-alone graphics software package that is part of a larger family of data analysis software, which includes SigmaStat and Systat, and is marketed by SPSS. It is very easy to use and has excellent customized editing of graphics.

UNIQUE GRAPHICS FEATURES: There were no graphical features that were unique to SigmaPlot. However, this lack of special graphical features does not imply any lack of graphical power on the part of this package. Two accessory pieces of software referred to in the SigmaPlot manual (Visual Display Graph Library and SigmaPlot Map Library), but not distributed for review, appear to be where the unique graphical capabilities of this system reside.

STRENGTHS: SigmaPlot graphics software is centred on principles of graphics laid down by Cleveland² and Tufte¹. It has very good three-dimensional capabilities and imaginative graphics features. SigmaPlot has excellent ternary plot features and the best customized editing features of any of the substantial statistical and graphical packages. It also has a wonderful 'regression wizard' that includes a true abundance of equation categories, each of which contain an entire family of possible curves, giving rise to over a hundred possible curve types. Any of these curves can be plotted automatically on any x–y plot and is then accompanied by the corresponding statistical output.

WEAKNESSES: SigmaPlot's main weaknesses stem from the fact that it is a stand-alone package that is part of a family of products. To be more specific, SigmaPlot doesn't have the majority of mainstay statistical procedures and accompanying graphics included in the package. Someone interested in these procedures (such as ANOVA, survival analysis, time series, and the like) has to go to another package. Thus, this package doesn't have a very complete, well integrated statistical and graphical interface. It also doesn't have interactive data links.

LIKELY USERS: SigmaPlot would be good for just about any scientist. It is easy to use and generates high-quality graphics quickly.

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