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1. Exploratory Data Analysis
1.3. EDA Techniques
1.3.3. Graphical Techniques: Alphabetic

1.3.3.10.

Contour Plot

Purpose:
Display 3-d surface on 2-d plot
A contour plot is a graphical technique for representing a 3-dimensional surface by plotting constant z slices, called contours, on a 2-dimensional format. That is, given a value for z, lines are drawn for connecting the (x,y) coordinates where that z value occurs.

The contour plot is an alternative to a 3-D surface plot.

Sample Plot:
sample contour plot, showing the surface is symmetric
 and peaks in the center

This contour plot shows that the surface is symmetric and peaks in the center.

Definition The contour plot is formed by:
  • Vertical axis: Independent variable 2
  • Horizontal axis: Independent variable 1
  • Lines: iso-response values
The independent variables are usually restricted to a regular grid. The actual techniques for determining the correct iso-response values are rather complex and are almost always computer generated.

An additional variable may be required to specify the Z values for drawing the iso-lines. Some software packages require explicit values. Other software packages will determine them automatically.

If the data (or function) do not form a regular grid, you typically need to perform a 2-D interpolation to form a regular grid.

Questions The contour plot is used to answer the question
    How does Z change as a function of X and Y?
Importance:
Visualizing 3-dimensional data
For univariate data, a run sequence plot and a histogram are considered necessary first steps in understanding the data. For 2-dimensional data, a scatter plot is a necessary first step in understanding the data.

In a similar manner, 3-dimensional data should be plotted. Small data sets, such as result from designed experiments, can typically be represented by block plots, DOE mean plots, and the like ("DOE" stands for "Design of Experiments"). For large data sets, a contour plot or a 3-D surface plot should be considered a necessary first step in understanding the data.

DOE Contour Plot The DOE contour plot is a specialized contour plot used in the design of experiments. In particular, it is useful for full and fractional designs.
Related Techniques 3-D Plot
Software Contour plots are available in most general purpose statistical software programs. They are also available in many general purpose graphics and mathematics programs. These programs vary widely in the capabilities for the contour plots they generate. Many provide just a basic contour plot over a rectangular grid while others permit color filled or shaded contours.

Most statistical software programs that support design of experiments will provide a DOE contour plot capability.

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