Data Analysis Papers
An Introduction to ODS for Statistical Graphics in SAS
9.1
Robert N. Rodriguez, SAS Institute, 2004
Abstract
In SAS 9.1, over two dozen SAS/STAT® and SAS/ETS® procedures have been modified to use an experimental extension to the Output Delivery System (ODS) that enables them to create statistical graphics as automatically as tables are currently created. This extension, referred to as ODS for Statistical Graphics (ODS Graphics for short), provides commonly used displays, including scatter plots, histograms, box-and-whisker plots, and contour plots, in ODS output. Many ODS features for tables, such as destination statements, apply equally to graphics. ODS styles control the appearance and consistency of all graphs, whereas ODS templates control the layout and details of individual graphs. This paper introduces statistical users and other SAS programmers to ODS Graphics. Examples illustrate basic functionality, which requires minimal syntax, and typical graph management tasks. Familiarity with ODS for tables is assumed.