> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.geodin.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.geodin.com/visualization-layouts-and-reporting/display-particle-size-distribution-psd-as-a-bar-chart.md).

# Display PSD as a Bar Chart

This page explains how to display a **particle size distribution (PSD)** as a **depth-oriented bar chart** in a GeoDin layout. The workflow has three stages: recording sample data, entering PSD values, and configuring the layout element. All three stages are required.

## Walkthrough

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Step 1: Record 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 the **depth interval** of the sample.

This step ensures that the particle size data can later be linked correctly to depth.

<figure><img src="/files/GaX0rR9j794yw2pqXr8u" alt=""><figcaption><p>A sample entry in the Data management method - the depth interval fields are visible at the top of the form.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Step 2: Record 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.

GeoDin stores the PSD values that will be visualized in the layout in the next steps.

<figure><img src="/files/qpvorYEhrxQCVFJVCZfT" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Measurement data method with (G1) PSD selected - particle size values are entered in the table on the right.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Step 3: Add a data sequence element to the layout

* Open the **Graphic printing and editing** option from the **Methods** column.
* Create an object frame within the new layout as described in the [Layout Overview](https://docs.geodin.com/navigating-the-geodin-workspace/user-interface) section.
* Drag the **Data sequence** element into the object frame (blue box) of your GeoDin layout using the corresponding tool.

<figure><img src="/files/Z6BCQEMmXYlNHpbHQIfE" alt=""><figcaption><p>The layout with the object frame (blue box) ready to receive the Data sequence element.</p></figcaption></figure>

* Create a new series for each particle size component using the **plus (+) button**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Each **series** represents **one component** of the particle size distribution.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/T3BoA14yOcvGiE011sLG" alt=""><figcaption><p>The series list after adding multiple components - each row corresponds to one particle size fraction.</p></figcaption></figure>

* Select the particle size component for each series under **Parameter**.

<figure><img src="/files/ULIifmuGQIqC3V0kK5ue" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Parameter field for a series - use this to assign the correct PSD fraction (e.g. clay, silt, sand) to each series.</p></figcaption></figure>

* Define the depth interval (start and end depth / recovery) of your sample.

<figure><img src="/files/iiHQz1S8rwao9iun7Ej4" alt=""><figcaption><p>Depth interval settings for the series - the start and end depth fields link the bar chart to the correct sample depth.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Step 4: Define fill patterns and colors

To visually distinguish the particle size components, configure the fill pattern and color for each series.

1. Navigate to the corresponding series (e.g. `PSD:CLAY`).
2. Open the **Fill pattern** branch.
3. Select the **Vector** option and an appropriate fill pattern (e.g. clay fill pattern according to **GEOT1ENG**).
4. Switch to the **Colour / Transparency** branch.
5. Select the desired color, or use the default color of the selected fill pattern.

<figure><img src="/files/n7UJQoUCQTrYsPv6133d" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Fill pattern branch - Vector is selected and a standardized GEOT1ENG clay pattern is applied.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/31yzUPglfq7nZhVxVjX1" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Colour / Transparency branch - the color can be set independently or inherited from the fill pattern.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Step 5: Configure the parameter axis

Because particle size distributions always total **100%**, the axis must be configured accordingly.

* Navigate to the **Axis range** branch.
* Activate **user-defined display** of the parameter axis.
* Set the axis interval to **0 to 100**.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Setting the axis to 0-100 is required for correct proportional representation. An incorrect range will distort the bar chart.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/LplUyQ98X98auH0qkgR8" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Axis range branch with user-defined display active and the interval set to 0-100.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Step 6: Stack and normalize the series

To create a proper stacked bar chart:

* 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.

<figure><img src="/files/CiirEQEMKuzmOZwL34i3" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Series branch with Stack series selected and Recalculate to 100% active - this produces a fully normalized stacked bar chart.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Step 7: Adjust 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.

<figure><img src="/files/OsORIobVS5o1Cp9xymHS" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Series definitions branch - the blue arrows reorder the series; the bottom entry appears on the left of the bar chart.</p></figcaption></figure>

**Diagram heading**

* The diagram heading is defined by the **first series**.
* Assign a **custom heading** that differs from the parameter name if needed for layout readability.

<figure><img src="/files/RDdKa3ORIgRTMHjSbKQy" alt=""><figcaption><p>The heading field for the first series - entering a custom name here controls the diagram title shown in the layout.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

The result is a **depth-oriented stacked bar chart** that displays the particle size distribution for each sample across depth, supporting soil composition interpretation, standardized reporting, and depth-related geotechnical analysis.

<figure><img src="/files/qmPRweaa2a9SuqfbzpNx" alt=""><figcaption><p>The completed depth-oriented PSD bar chart - each patterned or colored bar segment represents one particle size fraction, stacked to 100% at each sample depth.</p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.geodin.com/visualization-layouts-and-reporting/display-particle-size-distribution-psd-as-a-bar-chart.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.