Thread: Displaying (possible) periodic data

I'm hoping that this is the correct group of threads to submit to, if not please move it. I'm looking for some advice, I don't want a problem solved just a pointer in the right direction.

I've been given a bucket-load of numerical data which I believe comes from a periodic source/output. I want to make sense of this data, that is perhaps find reoccuring patterns/structures/periods etc... Would I be barking up the wrong tree if I thought Fourier series would have something to do with it?

I'm not too great at statistics, or modeling via mathematics so help would be much appreciated.

Originally Posted by acnash

I'm hoping that this is the correct group of threads to submit to, if not please move it. I'm looking for some advice, I don't want a problem solved just a pointer in the right direction.

I've been given a bucket-load of numerical data which I believe comes from a periodic source/output. I want to make sense of this data, that is perhaps find reoccuring patterns/structures/periods etc... Would I be barking up the wrong tree if I thought Fourier series would have something to do with it?

I'm not too great at statistics, or modeling via mathematics so help would be much appreciated.

bucket-load of numerical data

nice description.

which I believe comes from a periodic source/output

Would ... Fourier series would have something to do with it?

It will assist in the periodic/harmonic analysis and determine the fundamental.

Originally Posted by acnash

I'm hoping that this is the correct group of threads to submit to, if not please move it. I'm looking for some advice, I don't want a problem solved just a pointer in the right direction.

I've been given a bucket-load of numerical data which I believe comes from a periodic source/output. I want to make sense of this data, that is perhaps find reoccuring patterns/structures/periods etc... Would I be barking up the wrong tree if I thought Fourier series would have something to do with it?

I'm not too great at statistics, or modeling via mathematics so help would be much appreciated.

No you would not be barking up the wrong tree, though there are possibilities that would not be analysable by Fourier methods.

CB

Thanks both, at least I know I'm facing the right direction.