I have some direction (bearing from north) data in degrees. Some of this data jumps between 1-360 degrees when plotted as a line graph, which is not easy to read, as the variation is actually only 1 degree. What is the best way to graph such data (preferably using Excel)?
Unfortunately, applying a fixed value to all values is not an option as the full range of 0-360 degrees is covered in the dataset.
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Another option is to assume the change between points is less than $\pm 180^\circ$ and add or subtract multiples of $360^\circ$ to each point to make that true. It means your plotted values may go outside the range $0-360$, but the variation from point to point will be represented correctly. You could give that a try.
The best I can think of is polar graph $\theta=f(r)$, where $\theta$ is your angle data and $r$ increases with time. I don't know how to plot such graphs in Excel directly, so I converted into $XY$ coordinates using $x=r\cos \theta$ and $y=r\sin \theta$, then used scatterplot with connecting lines. I think the evolution of angle over time is clear.
I removed the distracting Cartesian grid and added a red point to mark the origin.