Contour – Python(matplot)

A contour plot is a graphical tool that represents three-dimensional data on a two-dimensional plane.

For example, in a topographic map, contour lines connect points of equal height, illustrating elevation changes. These lines help visualize the slope and shape of the terrain at a glance.

Similarly, plots are widely used in scientific and engineering fields to represent variations in data, such as temperature, pressure, or intensity across a surface.

Contour Explained in Matplotlib

• contour function:
  • Generates contour lines by connecting points with the same Z value based on input X, Y, and Z data.
  • Useful for visualizing elevation, pressure, or intensity changes.
• contourf function:
  • Similar to contour, but fills the spaces between contour lines with different colors.
  • Makes visual interpretation easier by providing a clearer distinction between levels.

Areas of Use and Examples

• Science, Engineering, Statistics, and Geography
  • Used to visualize various spatial data across different disciplines.
• Common Data Examples
  • Meteorology: Temperature and pressure distributions.
  • Topography: Terrain elevation mapping.
  • Other Spatial Data: Any dataset that requires gradient visualization.

Contour plots are powerful tools for representing complex data in two-dimensional images, playing a crucial role in data analysis and interpretation in their respective fields.

Contour plot Code

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

x = np.linspace(-5, 5, 100)
y = np.linspace(-5, 5, 100)

X, Y = np.meshgrid(x, y)
Z = (X**2 + Y )**2 + (X + Y**2)**2
levels = [10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300]

contour = plt.contour(X, Y, Z, levels=levels, cmap='coolwarm')

plt.clabel(contour, inline=True, fontsize=8)
plt.colorbar()
plt.title("Contour Plot")

plt.show()

From a theoretical perspective, contour plots seem easy to draw, but I found it difficult to make them look the way I wanted. I think this is because my understanding of functions and coordinates is somewhat weak.

I don’t recall ever using this type of chart in an actual report.

Generally, contour plots are used to visualize continuously changing three-dimensional data, such as weather patterns or elevation maps. I attempted to implement one, but it didn’t turn out as expected.

Personally, I don’t see it as essential for data analysis, but I think it could be useful as a visual representation or even as a wallpaper to explain data intuitively.

Adding double markers or incorporating a bar chart on the X and Y axes would make the visualization more specific and three-dimensional, making explanations easier. However, implementing that is quite challenging.