Data Files

Plot3d now supports 2 types of data files, mesh data and scatter data. Both file types are in the same format. If you select mesh plots, NXPlot3d will attempt to put your x/y data points on a rectangular mesh, it will fill in any points in the grid that are missing. If you have irregularly spaced x/y data this can become a REAL MESS. 

Scatter mode does not add any points to those listed in your file, however in scatter mode you cannot plot in surface or spherical mode, and contour/density plots won't work.

Selecting one of the file modes will bring up an Open Panel. Files must be in "x y z\n" or "x,y,z\n" format with optional comment lines at the top of the file beginning with #. Once the data has been read, x/y/z max/min values will be set to match the file. Data from the file is NOT interpolated, so if you zoom, the data will not be mapped to a new grid, it will just be clipped.  For mesh plots, all unknown points will be set to the smallest Z that occured in the valid points in the file. 

Data from files may also be transformed before being displayed. You may enter a formula as a function of x,y and z to remap the data. When the file is read, the formula is automatically reset to z(x,y)=z. So, for example, if you want a log plot, just enter "log(z)" as the formula. If you enter an invalid formula it will be reset to "0".