Parallel Coordinates Plot Examples

This workflow outlines how to use the Parallel Coordinates Plot with various settings and flow variables. It includes an interactive view that lets you switch between target features.

You can easily download and run the workflow directly in your KNIME installation. We recommend that you use the latest version of the KNIME Analytics Platform for optimal performance. It can also be deployed as a Data App in KNIME Business Hub.

We first load the penguin dataset using a CSV Reader node from our workflow data area. Within the metanode, we manipulate data by filtering missing values and converting string columns into numbers.

We also utilize a Resorter node to adjust the axis of the Parallel chart. Remember that the order of variables matters for visualisation, as it can reveal relationships between them. A parallel line indicates a direct proportional relationship, while an X effect indicates an inversely proportional relationship.

Using the Color Manager node, we can customise the colour of the categorical feature "Species" to better visualise the characteristics of each penguin species.

In addition, by displaying the coloured legend in our chart, we can click on each element to omit it from the plot, providing a clear overview of one element.

Furthermore, in the data application, we have created a flow variable from the Color Manager node to control the column colour dynamically. To do this, open the configuration window, go to the "Flow Variables" tab, and write the name of your new variable, such as "colour-column", in the white space.

Data:

These data are originally published in:

Gorman KB, Williams TD, Fraser WR (2014) Ecological Sexual Dimorphism and Environmental Variability within a Community of Antarctic Penguins (Genus Pygoscelis). PLoS ONE 9(3): e90081. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0090081

External resources

• Palmer Archipelago (Antarctica) penguin data - Kaggle
• Links to original data & metadata