ArcGauge - A Custom Control for .Net

Version: 2009/08

ArcGauge is a graphical user control for .Net that provides a gauge that is displayed in a circle, or a portion of a circle.  The control provides an easy-to-use graphical display of numerical information.

Display properties includes colours for background, pointers, numbers, label and tick-marks.  The pointer can be a simple stick with or with end arrows, or a bar that extends from the zero point with several forms of optional shading, or it can be a custom image.  The size and colour of the border can be controlled.  The control can be shaped to the arc or left as a circle or a square. 

The range, starting value and red-zone value can be set as properties.  The number and value of tick-marks and the size and number of sub-ticks can be set. The display elements (pointer, centre circle, tick-marks, text) can be positioned anywhere along the radius, and the positioning is done as percentages so that the gauge displays properly when re-sized.  The label can be fixed text or the current gauge value. 

See some examples of the many different possible formats here. The help file contains many additional examples.

Feedback is appreciated.

The download is a ZIP file containing the ArcGauge DLL, a demonstration program, a help file in CHM format and the licence.  The file size is about 3.8Mb. Unpack the ZIP to any convenient location. Copy the DLL to the project folder and add a reference from the project and add ArcGauge to the tools list.

Features:

• Gauge displays as a circle, or as any portion of a circle, rotated as required.
• Fully controllable format emulates almost any style circular gauge.
• Layout specified in percentages, so the gauge resizes correctly.
• Variety of pointers available, including custom graphics.
• Control can be trimmed to three formats (None, Circle or Rectangle (Trimmed arc))
• Red-zone feature - displays in a tick-mark color and triggers events when entering or leaving
• Background image option for real-world look, including adjustment facility to precisely position the pointer
• Comprehensive help file in Microsoft .Net documentation format
• Test program (EXE and VB source code) for demonstrating the effect of all properties, with sample pointer and background images.

Page Last Updated: January 5th, 2010