Scales
- 3 minutes to read
This topic describes the basics of gauge scales (circular and linear), and explains how scales can be accessed and customized at design time.
A scale is the fundamental element of analog gauges (circular and linear) because all other elements can be placed on it.
Analog gauges have two types of scales: Arc Scale and Linear Scale. Each scale type defines the gauge layout and appearance.
#Arc Scale
An Arc Scale is an instance of the ArcScale class. This scale is used in the CircularGauge control.
An Arc Scale has different shape types: full circular, half-circular, quarter-circular, three-quarter circular and wide circular.
The following image shows examples of these types:
For more information, see the following topic: Circular Gauge Types.
An Arc Scale consists of tickmarks (both major and minor) and scale labels. To extend a list of scale items, add static and dynamic gauge elements (Value Indicators) to the arc scale.
In contrast to dynamic elements, static elements cannot be animated.
The following is a list of static gauge elements:
- Tickmarks
- Custom scale labels
- Ranges
- Layers
- Spindle cap
The dynamic gauge elements (value indicators) include:
- Needles
- Markers
- Range bars
An Arc Scale can contain numerous scales within a circular gauge.
The image below demonstrates a typical circular gauge that contains two arc scales with a background layer, tickmarks, markers, ranges, a needle, and a custom scale label.
See the following topic for more information: Circular Gauge Elements.
#Linear Scale
A LinearGauge allows you to display elements on a linear scale (a LinearScale object).
The following linear scale shape types are available in the Gauges component: vertical and linear.
See the following topic to learn more: Linear Gauge Types.
As you can see from the image above, a linear gauge can contain numerous scales.
Like an arc scale, all elements of a linear scale can be divided into two groups: static and dynamic (Value Indicators).
A linear scale contains the following static elements:
- Tickmarks
- Custom scale labels
- Ranges
- Background and effect layers
Level bar, markers and range bars can be animated on a linear scale because they belong to dynamic gauge elements.
The following image illustrates a linear scale with a level bar, tickmarks, three ranges, and a background layer:
See the following topic to learn more: Linear Gauge Elements.
#Scale Customization
You can use the scale designer to access a Gauge scale at design time.
To load the Scales - Element Designer, click the Gauge control’s smart tag and select Customize Gauge Control….
Then, in the Visual Gauge Control Designer, click the scale’s smart tag and choose Run Designer.
Scales - Element Designer allows you to customize a scale’s appearance and geometry, and contains range and label editors.
See the Arc Scale designer below.
Refer to the following topic to learn more: Designer.