Chapter Contents

Previous

Next
SAS/GRAPH Software: Reference

Overview

The DATA Step Graphics Interface (DSGI) enables you to create graphics output within the DATA step or from within an SCL application. Through DSGI, you can call the graphics routines used by SAS/GRAPH software to generate an entire custom graph or to add features to an existing graph. You can use DSGI to write a custom graphics application in conjunction with all the power of the programming statements accessible by the DATA step.

DSGI provides many of the same features as the Annotate facility, but it also has many advantages over the Annotate facility.

You should consider using the Annotate facility for enhancing procedure output and using DSGI for creating custom graphics without using a graphics procedure.

DSGI is based upon the Graphics Kernal System (GKS) standard, although it does not follow a strict interpretation, nor is it implemented on a particular level of GKS. GKS was used to provide a recognizable interface to the user. Because of its modularity, the standard allows for enhancements to DSGI without the side effect of converting programs between versions of SAS/GRAPH software.

This chapter explains the concepts used to create graphics output with DSGI. The discussion provides an overview of the functions and routines used in DSGI. For complete details of each function and routine, see DATA Step Graphics Interface Dictionary.

Exploded Pie Chart Generated with the DSGI shows a pie chart that was created entirely with DSGI functions. Text Slide Created Using the DSGI is an example of a text slide that was created with DSGI statements.

Exploded Pie Chart Generated with the DSGI

[IMAGE]

Text Slide Created Using the DSGI

[IMAGE]


Syntax

DSGI uses GASK routines and functions to draw graphics elements. These statements have the following syntax:

CALL GASK(operator, arguments);
return-code-variable=function-name (operator, arguments);

where
arguments are the additional required variables or values for the routine or function.
return-code-variable is an arbitrary name and can be any numeric variable name. It will hold the return code upon execution of the function.
function-name is the DSGI command you want to execute and must be one of the following: GDRAW, GINIT, GPRINT, GRAPH, GSET, or GTERM.
operator is a character string that names the function you either want to submit or for which you want the current settings. When used with functions, operator can take different values depending on function-name.


Requirements

When using DSGI statements, the following formats for arguments must be used:


Chapter Contents

Previous

Next

Top of Page

Copyright 1999 by SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA. All rights reserved.