Display Particle Size Distribution (PSD) as a bar chart
This guide explains how to display a particle size distribution (PSD) as a depth‑oriented bar chart in a GeoDin layout.
The process consists of three main stages:
Recording sample data
Entering particle size distribution data
Visualizing the data as a stacked bar chart in a layout
Each stage is required to achieve a correct and depth‑oriented visualization.
1. Recording the Sample Data
Before creating any visualization, the sample data for the particle size analysis must be entered into GeoDin.
Open the Data management method.
Create a new sample entry.
Define:
Depth interval of the sample
This step ensures that the particle size data can later be linked correctly to depth.
2. Recording the Particle Size Distribution
Once the sample data exists, the particle size distribution values must be entered.
Open the Measurement data method.
Select the measuring point type samples (geot. borehole).
Navigate to the data type (G1)PSD.
Enter the particle size analysis values for the sample.
At this stage, GeoDin stores the PSD values that will later be visualized in the layout.
3. Depth‑Oriented Visualization in the Layout
To display the particle size distribution as a bar chart aligned to depth, a specific layout element is required.
3.1 Creating Series for Particle Size Components
Open the Graphic printing and editing option from the Methods column.
Create an object frame within the new layout as mentioned here in Section 3 by selecting Layout Overview icon.
Drag the Data sequence element into the object frame (blue box shown in the picture below) of your GeoDin layout using the corresponding tool.
Create a new series for each particle size component using the plus (+) button.
Each series represents one component of the particle size distribution.
Select the particle size component for each series under Parameter.
Then define the depth interval (start and end depth / recovery) of your sample.
3.2 Defining Fill Patterns and Colors
To visually distinguish the particle size components, configure the fill pattern and color.
Navigate to the corresponding series (e.g.
PSD:CLAY).Open the Fill pattern branch.
Select:
Vector option
Appropriate fill pattern (e.g. clay fill pattern according to GEOT1ENG).
Switch to the Colour / Transparency branch.
Select:
Desired color, or
Default color of the selected fill pattern.
This ensures standardized and clear visual representation.
3.3 Configuring the Parameter Axis
Because particle size distributions always total 100%, the axis must be configured accordingly.
Steps
Navigate to the Axis range branch.
Activate user‑defined display of the parameter axis.
Set the axis interval to:
0 to 100
This step is essential for correct proportional representation.
3.4 Stacking and Normalizing the Series
To create a proper stacked bar chart:
Steps
Navigate to the Series branch.
Select diagram type Stack series.
Activate the option Recalculate to 100%.
This ensures all components together form a complete particle size distribution.
3.5 Adjusting Series Order and Heading
Series Order
Open the Series definitions branch.
Use the blue arrows to change the order.
The lowest entry in the list is displayed on the left-hand side of the bar chart.
Diagram Heading
The diagram heading is defined by the first series.
You can assign a custom heading that differs from the parameter name.
This allows better control over layout readability and labeling.
Result
The final result is a depth‑oriented stacked bar chart that clearly displays the particle size distribution for each sample across depth.
This visualization supports:
Clear interpretation of soil composition
Standardized reporting
Depth‑related geotechnical analysis
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