Slicing a scatterplot using a third variable

Brushing crosses on a scatterplot highlights selected individuals on all linked displays. Slicing is a closely related dynamic technique, the difference being that the unselected individuals are hidden on the linked displays.

Individuals are usually selected with values for one variable within a specified range — it defines a slice of the distribution of that variable. The selection range can be dynamically adjusted to display different slices of individuals.

Body fat

Trellis plot

Slicing is a dynamic method and must therefore be performed on a computer. Although less effective, an alternative is to show a series of static plots for different slices of the data. This is called a trellis plot.

Body fat