MathScript Nugget #16: Plots Galore

[jattas]

In MathScript Nugget #9 I described the MathScript 3D Graph. Today's nugget is about its two-dimensional cousins: the MathScript plots. These cousins are quite an extended family: the plots class contains over 80 functions. Many of them are used for configuring the appearance of existing plots, but there are about 30 unique 2D plot functions in the list. Let's look at a few of the slicker ones.

You can draw vertical and horizontal bar graphs using the 'bar' and 'barhoriz' functions. These are great for trending and comparing data sets over time.

You can create stair plots (which look like a city skyline) using the 'stairs' function.

Pie charts are "easy as pie" using the 'pie' function.

You can create filled-in line graphs using the 'area' function. These are good for trending proportions over time.

To generate a 'vector field' of lots of little arrows pointing in different directions, use the 'quiver' function. This is great for visualizing things like wind and other fluid flows.

To generate a contour graph, use the 'contour' function. You will see these used to display data on everything from elevation to temperature to magnetism.

 

You can visualize tree and forest structures with the 'treeplot' function.

MathScript will pop these plots up in a new window. As of LabVIEW 2009, most of these plots are also available on the LabVIEW front panel! Check out this article for some examples.

jattas
LabVIEW MathScript R&D

ps Check out more MathScript Nuggets!