Scientific Display Format

Scientific number notation is fully supported by the Scientific category. The following steps demonstrate how to use this display format. We are using the Encyclopedia of Stars dataset, based on datafile suns.csv.

Arcadia offers two built-in options for Scientific formatting: Exponential, and Unit Abbreviation.

Scientific Format with Exponential Notation

  1. Create a new visual.
  2. In the tables chart type, place the field proper_name on the Dimensions shelf, and the field lightyears on the Measures shelf.
  3. Click the icon to the right of the lightyears field.
  4. In the dropdown, click Display Format.
  5. In the Enter Display Format modal window,

    • Under Category, select Scientific.

      Notice that this action adds a Unit Notation option.

    • [Optional] Under Sample, enter a representative value, to preview the formating changes.
    • Under Unit Notation, select Exponential.
    • [Optional] Under Decimal Places, change the number of decimal places, or remove them.

      To see all decimal places, select All.

    • Click Save.
  6. Click Refresh Visual.

    Notice the change to the number format in column lightyears.

Scientific Format with Unit Abbreviation

  1. Create a new visual.
  2. In the tables chart type, place the field proper_name on the Dimensions shelf, and the following fields on the Measures shelf:
    • lightyears
    • cartesian_x
    • cartesian_y
    • cartesian_z
    • cartesian_velocity_x
    • cartesian_velocity_y
    • cartesian_velocity_z
  3. Click Refresh Visual.

    Notice the appearance of numbers in the columns.

  4. Click the icon to the right of the lightyears field.
  5. In the dropdown, click Display Format.
  6. In the Enter Display Format modal window,

    • Under Category, select Scientific.

      Notice that this action adds a Unit Notation option.

    • [Optional] Under Sample, enter a representative value, to preview the formatting changes.
    • Under Unit Notation, select Unit Abbreviation.
    • [Optional] Under Decimal Places, change the number of decimal places, or remove them.

      To see all decimal places, select All.

    • Click Save.
  7. Apply the same display format to the rest of the fields on the Measures shelf.
  8. Click Refresh Visual.

    Notice the change to the number format.