Visualization Functions: Sequenzo and TraMineR Mapping
This page maps Sequenzo visualization functions to their closest R counterparts for users migrating from R. Most state-sequence plot aliases are in TraMineR core; TraMineRextras::seqplot.rf() is an optional extension-package relative-frequency plot.
What This Section Covers
This section focuses on plotting sequence data: index plots, state distributions, modal states, mean-time views, representative patterns, and transition summaries.
For TraMineR users, this is the "visual interpretation" layer after you define sequences and compute distances/indicators.
Some rows are marked No direct one-function equivalent. This simply means the same analytical goal is usually reached in TraMineR through multiple steps or a slightly different plotting path, reflecting a different design style rather than a limitation.
Mapping Table
| Sequenzo function | R counterpart | Notes |
|---|---|---|
plot_sequence_index | TraMineR::seqiplot() / TraMineR::seqIplot() | Direct conceptual match (index plot of sequences). |
plot_state_distribution | TraMineR::seqdplot() | Direct conceptual match (state distribution over time). |
plot_mean_time | TraMineR::seqmtplot() | Direct conceptual match (mean time in states). |
plot_modal_state | TraMineR::seqmsplot() | Direct conceptual match (modal state sequence plot). |
plot_most_frequent_sequences | TraMineR::seqfplot() | Closest match (top frequent sequences with frequencies). |
plot_relative_frequency | TraMineR::seqplot(type="rf") / TraMineR::seqrf(); related extension: TraMineRextras::seqplot.rf() | Conceptually aligned with relative-frequency style visualization. |
plot_single_medoid | No direct one-function equivalent | Closest TraMineR workflow is TraMineR::seqrep() + TraMineR::seqrplot(), then choose one medoid manually. |
plot_transition_matrix | TraMineR::seqtrate() (matrix computation) | TraMineR computes transition rates; Sequenzo also provides a ready heatmap plot. |
plot_cross_sectional_characteristics | TraMineR::seqHtplot() (and TraMineR::seqstatd() for underlying distribution statistics) | Cross-sectional entropy-over-time view is conceptually aligned. |
plot_longitudinal_characteristics | No direct one-function equivalent | Usually combined from TraMineR::seqtransn(), TraMineR::seqient(), TraMineR::seqST(), TraMineR::seqici() plus custom plotting. |
Beginner Migration Tips
- Start with the direct matches (
TraMineR::seqiplot(),TraMineR::seqdplot(),TraMineR::seqmtplot(),TraMineR::seqmsplot()) when porting old scripts. - For rows marked No direct one-function equivalent, TraMineR usually reaches the same goal through multiple steps, while Sequenzo provides a dedicated plotting function for that goal.
- If you want an output style close to TraMineR, run the TraMineR function first, then tune Sequenzo plot parameters to get a similar look.
Authors
Documentation: Yuqi Liang