Chapter 4. Basic Charts

So far, the visualization examples in this book have relied heavily on the GUI interface of various Google applications. Unfortunately, the customization limitations of using only GUI applications quickly become evident. With the Google applications discussed in the previous chapters, Spreadsheets and Fusion Charts, it is fairly simple to create basic graphs and charts. Unfortunately, the sophistication of viewing controls, data source configuration, and even the style of the visualization itself is ultimately limited to the controls presented by default in the application. Apps Script gives some relief to the issue of customization, although limitations of the Apps Script platform impose their own set of limitations. Thus, what is needed is a customizable, feature-rich option, to build on top of the simplistic charts of Spreadsheets and Fusion Tables. The Google APIs, specifically the Visualization (Chart tools) API, are the required building blocks to accomplish...