Interactive Instructions

Instructions

The interactive data in this tool can be accessed from a standard Web browser; Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher or Netscape 6.2 or higher are required.

Exploring data

The box beneath the chart lists the datasets provided for you to explore. A ‘plus’sign next to an entry means there are multiple datasets available under that entry. Clicking the ‘plus’ sign gives access to these datasets.

Plotting data

Select data to chart by clicking on a heading in the tree menu. Clicking another data entry replaces the existing data on the chart. To plot multiple data entries simultaneously, hold down the CTRL key and click each desired data item. Remove data from the chart by holding down the CTRL key and clicking the data entry you wish to remove. The time increments (x axis) are set by default to show all available years or quarters. Click on a particular year or years to view the range desired.

Switching views

From the View menu you can choose to view your data selection in a table. You can transpose the rows and columns and reverse the column order from the 'Change Order' sub-menu. You can sort data within the columns by clicking on the column heading. You can also use the Calculate menu to select mathematical functions to apply to the data. Select Chart/Table to work with a chart and table simultaneously.

Manipulating data

Click in the Chart Type box to select among different chart types. Click in the Calculate box to apply mathematical equations.

Changing X and Y axis

Change the X and Y axis scale displayed on the chart by holding down your mouse on the notches at the end of the X and Y axes and sliding the mouse left or right for the X axis and up or down for the Y axis.

Export function

You can download the data into Excel by selecting the Data choice in the Export menu. Selecting Image allows you to export the current chart display as a PNG or JPEG image.