Systems and methods for model based creation and editing of visual analytic dashboards are disclosed. A dashboard manager receives a dashboard model that defines the specification of a particular dashboard. In particular, the dashboard model can include description of the visual analytics to be rendered in the dashboard. The dashboard model can also include a description of the arrangement of the visual analytics. The dashboard models are compatible with a user interface framework that includes default or standardized navigation patterns for organizing and navigating among and within dashboards. The navigation pattern can include the specification of a number of separate horizontally navigable channels sections into which the visual analytics are groups by type. A title section can also be included with controls for horizontally navigating between multiple dashboard and panels.