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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
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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.
A sample entry in the Data management method - the depth interval fields are visible at the top of the form.
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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.
The Measurement data method with (G1) PSD selected - particle size values are entered in the table on the right.
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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 section.
Drag the Data sequence element into the object frame (blue box) of your GeoDin layout using the corresponding tool.
The layout with the object frame (blue box) ready to receive the Data sequence element.
Create a new series for each particle size component using the plus (+) button.
Each series represents one component of the particle size distribution.
The series list after adding multiple components - each row corresponds to one particle size fraction.
Select the particle size component for each series under Parameter.
The Parameter field for a series - use this to assign the correct PSD fraction (e.g. clay, silt, sand) to each series.
Define the depth interval (start and end depth / recovery) of your sample.
Depth interval settings for the series - the start and end depth fields link the bar chart to the correct sample depth.
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Step 4: Define fill patterns and colors
To visually distinguish the particle size components, configure the fill pattern and color for each series.
Navigate to the corresponding series (e.g. PSD:CLAY).
Open the Fill pattern branch.
Select the Vector option and an appropriate fill pattern (e.g. clay fill pattern according to GEOT1ENG).
Switch to the Colour / Transparency branch.
Select the desired color, or use the default color of the selected fill pattern.
The Fill pattern branch - Vector is selected and a standardized GEOT1ENG clay pattern is applied.
The Colour / Transparency branch - the color can be set independently or inherited from the fill pattern.
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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.
Setting the axis to 0-100 is required for correct proportional representation. An incorrect range will distort the bar chart.
The Axis range branch with user-defined display active and the interval set to 0-100.
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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.
The Series branch with Stack series selected and Recalculate to 100% active - this produces a fully normalized stacked bar chart.
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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.
The Series definitions branch - the blue arrows reorder the series; the bottom entry appears on the left of the bar chart.
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.
The heading field for the first series - entering a custom name here controls the diagram title shown in the layout.
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.
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.
