ODS Graphics: Mastering Custom Graphs with Graph Template Language

Anyone who has produced a graph using ODS Graphics has unknowingly used the Graph Template Language (GTL). ODS graphics produced by SAS® procedures such as the Statistical Graphics (SG) procedures actually rely on pre-defined templates built with GTL. GTL generates graphs using a template definition that provides extensive control over its format and appearance. Although most of the graphs produced within a procedure are adequate for most situations, they sometimes lack those one or two extra features you need to really make your graphs stand out and impress your clients or customers. GTL, as an extension of ODS Graphics, allows users much greater flexibility in creating specialized graphs. In this class, you'll learn how to use GTL to create complex, highly customized graphics that you could only dream about before. We'll cover the different types of layouts provided by GTL as well as various types of plots. The focus of the course will be on three specific layouts (i.e., OVERLAY, GRIDDED and LATTICE) and the more common types of plots (e.g., BARCHART, BLOCKPLOT, BOXPLOT, HIGHLOWPLOT, SCATTERPLOT and SERIESPLOT). Through the use of detailed examples, you will learn how to build your own template to make customized graphs and how to create that one highly desired, unique graph that at first glance seems impossible.

About the Instructor

Richann Watson is an independent statistical programmer and CDISC consultant based in Ohio.  She has been using SAS since 1996 and specializes in analyzing clinical trial data and implementing CDISC standards.  She is a member of the CDISC ADaM team and various sub-teams.  She has presented numerous papers, posters, and training seminars at various conferences.  Richann holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science and master’s degree in statistics.