Using a meter
Video tutorials
A meter is an indicator that uses a color bar display to show if the data are within established parameters. The following tabs are in the Definition tab:
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Measure tab: Use the buttons to add or delete measures and formulas. To edit an existing measure, double-click it.
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Values tab: Type maximum and minimum values and the value to be represented by measures.
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Properties tab: Type the values to be used as the limits of the areas to be represented. Choose the color.
You can convert a meter into a dial, sphere, or cylinder indicator.
How to create measures to display on a meter
1  
In Gallery—Meter, choose Definition.
2  
To create a measure for the meter, choose New measure.
3  
In Alias, type a name for the new measure.
4  
Select Maximum as the function for the new measure. From My Data, drag a column on which to base the measure and drop it next to Maximum, as shown in Figure 5-17.
Figure 5-17  
Defining a new measure for a meter
5  
To create a filter, double-click a column in My Data. Drag a field from Discrete Values, and drop it in Filter, as shown in Figure 5-18.
Figure 5-18  
Adding a filter to a measure
6  
To create the new measure, choose the green check mark.
7  
To create another measure with properties similar to the first, select a measure, and choose Duplicate.
8  
In Alias, type a name and change the function to Minimum, as shown in Figure 5-19.
Figure 5-19  
Creating a new measure based on a measure having similar properties
9  
To create the new measure, choose the green check mark.
10  
Repeat steps 7–9, changing the function to Mean.
How to add formulas and thresholds to a meter
1  
To create a formula, choose New formula.
2  
In Alias, type a name for the formula, then type a formula for a lower threshold in the dialog box below Alias. In this example, the formula is a value.
3  
Choose Validate. At the message that the formula definition is valid, shown in Figure 5-20, choose OK.
Figure 5-20  
Validating the definition for a formula
4  
To create the new formula, choose the green check mark.
5  
Repeat steps 1–3, entering a formula for a higher threshold.
6  
Choose Values.
7  
For each value to appear on the meter, select an appropriate measure from the list. For example, select measures that correspond to minimum, mean, and maximum income values, as shown in Figure 5-21.
Figure 5-21  
Assigning measures to values that will appear on a meter
How to add range properties to a meter
1  
Choose Properties.
2  
Choose Add range.
3  
To indicate the minimum and maximum thresholds for the range, choose a measure or formula, as shown in Figure 5-22.
4  
In Color, open the palette and select a color for the range. Choose OK.
Figure 5-22  
Configuring properties for a meter
5  
Repeat steps 2–4 until you have created three ranges.
6  
Choose Calculate to view the meter. Different color shades indicate different ranges, as shown in Figure 5-23.
Figure 5-23  
Viewing data measures on a meter
Related topics
Using BIRT Analytics basic tools
Using a dial
Using a label
Using a sphere
Using a cylinder
Using a funnel
Understanding the sample data model
Video tutorials
Creating a meter visualization
Converting a dial to a meter
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