Visualization Functions: Sequenzo and TraMineR Mapping
This page maps Sequenzo visualization functions to their closest TraMineR (or TraMineRextras) counterparts for users migrating from R.
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 | TraMineR counterpart | Notes |
|---|---|---|
plot_sequence_index | seqiplot / seqIplot | Direct conceptual match (index plot of sequences). |
plot_state_distribution | seqdplot | Direct conceptual match (state distribution over time). |
plot_mean_time | seqmtplot | Direct conceptual match (mean time in states). |
plot_modal_state | seqmsplot | Direct conceptual match (modal state sequence plot). |
plot_most_frequent_sequences | seqfplot | Closest match (top frequent sequences with frequencies). |
plot_relative_frequency | seqplot(type="rf") (TraMineR) / related RF tooling in TraMineRextras | Conceptually aligned with relative-frequency style visualization. |
plot_single_medoid | No direct one-function equivalent | Closest TraMineR workflow is seqrep + seqrplot, then choose one medoid manually. |
plot_transition_matrix | seqtrate (matrix computation) | TraMineR computes transition rates; Sequenzo also provides a ready heatmap plot. |
plot_cross_sectional_characteristics | seqHtplot (and seqstatd for underlying distribution stats) | Cross-sectional entropy-over-time view is conceptually aligned. |
plot_longitudinal_characteristics | No direct one-function equivalent | Usually combined from seqtransn, seqient, seqST, seqici plus custom plotting. |
Beginner Migration Tips
- Start with the direct matches (
seqiplot,seqdplot,seqmtplot,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.
Author
Documentation: Yuqi Liang