Stichart

Stichart is a concept in data visualization referring to the technique of combining multiple charts and data sources into a single, interactive view by stitching them together on a common canvas. The term is used in discussions and tutorials to describe workflows for unified dashboards or narrative visualizations.

Key ideas include aligning scales and coordinate systems across charts, enabling coordinated interactions such as linked brushing, hover highlights, and synchronized zoom. A Stichart-style interface typically comprises a container that hosts multiple chart components, an internal data model that binds the charts, and an interaction layer that propagates events to all components.

Implementation often involves a layout or orchestration layer that positions charts and resolves axis alignment, along with adapters that translate diverse data formats into the common model. Rendering may use SVG, Canvas, or WebGL, and stitches can span charts created with different libraries as long as they expose compatible signals or events.

Typical use cases include interactive dashboards for finance or operations, storytelling visualizations in journalism, and research dashboards where context from one chart informs interpretation of others.

Stichart is not a formal standard; it appears in practice as a pattern rather than a single specification. Its adoption emphasizes performance considerations, accessibility, and clarity, since stitching can increase rendering cost and cognitive load if not designed carefully.