This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
> Hello, > We're plotting meteograms, for example with metar data from station > PLCH, and see > that one or more traces are located at the bottom of the segment of the > y axis. For example, > the attached .gif image shows what we get with TRACE1=skyk. (I've not > found anything > in the support archives about this.) We tried some combinations of the > range parameters, > but had no idea what we were doing, not knowing what value of y might > be assigned to > the station model. Suggestions or comments will be welcomed. Thanks, > John M. > > John, The behavior of character and symbol plotting is described in the SFGRAM help under the section: Up to four parameters may be plotted along each axis. The parameters must be separated using semicolons. Character and symbols may only be plotted in positions 1, 2 or 3, where position 1 is at the bottom of the trace, position 2 is in the middle and position 3 is at the top. This means that each trace, in addition to having y axis ranges associated with the left and right sides (separated by the "!" character), is separated into thirds. The plotting of sky coverage and wind barbs may therefore be plotted in the bottom third of the trace, the middle third, or the top third. Some symbols such as the wind barks do best in the middle third so they don't get clipped. If your TRACE1 had for instance: TRACE1 = relh;skyk;wsym!clds You would have cloud coverage in the bottom third, because it is in the 1st position of the right hand parameter list (that is, you have the option of placing the symbol/text parameters in either the left or right parameter group), sky/wind symbol in the middle third, and weather symbols in the upper third. The ability to place symbol/text parameters on either side of the "!" character gives you the flexibility to combine parameters that have common axis ranges while still having symbols in proper locations. You'll note in the tutorial example: http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/software/gempak/tutorial/answers/graphing_answer1.html which uses: TRACE1 = skyc:1:2;brbk:1:2/5;6!;;wsym:1:2;tmpc:1:2/;;11;3 The right hand side of the "!" has parameter WSYM placed into position 3 so as not to overlap positions 1 and 2 which are used on the left side. Skipped positions in the list maintain correct position location. Now, the archives should show something about this topic! Enjoy, Steve Chiswell Unidata User Support Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: RVY-668229 Department: Support GEMPAK Priority: Normal Status: Closed