3D Scatter Plots

Three-dimensional scatter plots allow you to visualize x, y, and z coordinates in space. They are useful for drawing parametric curves or for observing clusters of data in 3D space. To create a scatter plot, you need to define a function, a matrix of z-coordinates, or three vectors or matrices specifying the x, y, and z coordinates. Then,

1. Choose Insert > Graph > Scatter Plot to create a scatter plot region. Functions for scatter plots can be parametric.
2. Place the name of the matrix, function, or set of functions in the placeholder at the bottom left of the plot. If you enter a set of function names, defining a parametric surface, enclose them in parentheses.
3. Click outside the plot or press [Enter].

The collection of points is rendered in three-dimensional space. Mathcad draws the points with black dots, unless you specify otherwise. Double-click on the plot to get formatting options.

A scatter plot of a function is created using default ranges and grids for the independent variables. To change them, double-click on the graph and use the options in the QuickPlot Data tab of the 3D Plot Format dialog box. You can also set these outside of the plot using the CreateMesh and CreateSpace functions.

Notes:

• When plotting three vectors, you may wish to enclose them with parentheses to clarify that they are related, particularly when plotting multiple sets.
• Complex or imaginary points are not plotted. To plot the real or complex part of a point, use the Re and Im functions which separate out the real or imaginary parts.
• If you want an interpolated surface through your points, use a surface plot instead.
• You can annotate 3D plots using text or graphics.

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