Datencursor

Datencursor is a term used in data visualization and analytics software to describe a user interface element that marks and interacts with a specific data point within a dataset. The concept is typically visualized as a line, crosshair, or highlighted point that tracks the user's focus and reveals contextual information such as a timestamp, the corresponding value, and other metadata.

Functionality: A datencursor serves navigation and inspection roles. By moving the cursor along the x-axis, users scrub through data points to examine values and related panels. The cursor often displays a readout and may snap to the nearest data point. In dashboards, multiple plots may share the same datencursor so that a single position corresponds to synchronized details across views. Some implementations support keyboard navigation or touch scrubbing for accessibility.

Applications: Datencursors are common in time-series analysis, scientific datasets, financial charts, and interactive reports. They aid tasks such as anomaly detection, event alignment, and comparative analysis across series.

Implementation notes: In software development, datencursors are built using standard UI primitives such as tooltips, rulers, and crosshairs. They are typically implemented with event listeners for mouse, pointer, and touch input, and may be connected to data models to retrieve values for display in tooltips or side panels. Variants may include single cursors, linked cursors across multiple charts, or multiple cursors for simultaneous points.

See also: Cursor, crosshair, data visualization, time-series.