A diagram can have any number of curves. Each curve refers to a data set to be displayed and describes how its data is to be presented visually.

A curve in a 2D diagram can show all data structures except space curves. Each curve is assigned to exactly one X axis and one Y axis. If you specify a data series, its data is used for the Y coordinates of the points of the curve and the X coordinates are generated automatically by numbering, beginning with zero. When the curve is drawn, the positions of the points in the diagram plane are determined by the axis scaling. Parts of the curve that lie outside the area of the diagram are clipped. Scalar values can be displayed as horizontal or vertical lines. Some display formats use additional data, e.g., a data set with error values to display error indicators.

A 3D diagram curve can show data matrix, signal series and space curve data structures. Analogous to the 2D diagram, X and/or Z components that are not present are also generated automatically by numbering, beginning with zero. Instead of a signal series or a data matrix, it is also possible to specify several signals or data series that are then managed as a list in the curve and together form a signal series and/or a data matrix. Unlike 2D diagrams, there is only one axis system in 3D diagrams, so all curves are applied to the same axes and therefore have to have the same unit. For 3D curve types that require gridded data, a space curve (scatter data) is automatically converted into a signal series before display. You can choose one of two algorithms on the Data tab to display the surface.

On the Data tab of the curve, not only can you enter a reference to a data set or a formula, but you can also enter any FPScript expression. For instance, use an index operation to present a signal segment or a particular signal from a signal series. The FlexPro Diagram Wizard uses FPScript expressions within curves, e.g., for displaying percentages or decibels.

Both diagram types support display of lists that contain several data sets. Only place one curve in the diagram and specify the list on the Data tab. Several curves are shown, one per list element. You can also refer to the Dynamic Axes and Curves option in the Diagram Wizard. When displaying lists in 3D diagrams, the units of all of the list's data sets must be compatible with each other.

See Also

2D and 3D Diagrams

Working with Curves

Switching On a Display Form

Arranging Curves

Adding a Curve to a 2D Diagram

Dimensioning Curves

Changing the Axis Assignment for a 2D Curve

Excluding a Curve from Axis Autoscaling

Hiding Curves

Opening the Data Set of a Curve

Applying a Curve Label

Aligning a Curve Label

Adding a Data Series to a 3D Curve

Displaying Digital Data as a Step Line

Displaying the Hidden Grid Lines of a Surface

Smoothing a Surface

Styling the Columns/Bars

Changing the Column/Bar Width

Changing the Bottom Line of Columns/Bars

Adding Contour Lines in One Direction

Editing Contour Lines

Adding Contour Line Labeling

Adding Color Shading

Changing the Fill Direction for a 2D Curve

Changing a Curve's Fill Color and Style

Changing the Indicator Size

Changing the Indicator Type

Changing the Number of Indicators

Selecting the Data to be Labeled

Changing Data Label Formatting

Changing Alignment and Orientation of the Data Label

Creating Lines

Changing Display of Void Values

Turning On a Color Palette

Determining the Interval Limits for a Color Palette

Editing a Color Palette

Displaying Perpendicular Lines

Editing Perpendicular Lines

Adding a Projection

Changing the Symbol Size

Changing the Symbol Shape

Changing the Number of Symbols