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SharePoint Mesh Surface Chart


Featured Example:

Mesh Surface Chart

The Mesh Surface chart is a type of surface chart that displays a grid of data points with specified XYZ coordinates. Unlike a Grid Surface chart, which only allows users to define the y-position or elevation, Mesh Surface provides more precise control over the position of each data point, thus allowing you to visualize irregularly spaced data. A variation of the Mesh Surface chart allows the user to specify a color per each data point, thus adding a fourth dimension of data to the chart. Mesh Surface charts are commonly used in scientific and engineering applications, allowing for more detailed visualizations of complex data sets.

Best Practices for Using Mesh Surface Charts

  • Choose the right type of chart: Mesh Surface charts are best used when displaying irregularly spaced 3D data that is orderded in a grid. In some cases it may be more appropriate to use a Grid Surface (when all data points have common X/Z coordinates), or Triangulated Surface (when the data points are not ordered in a grid).
  • Simplify the data: Mesh Surface charts can contain millions of data points, and rendering such an amount of data points, especially interactively is very computationally expensive. You can use various methods to simplify the rendered data set like binning or clustering, which are built into the chart.
  • Label axes clearly: Label the x, y, and z axes to ensure the chart is easily interpretable. Include units of measurement if necessary.
  • Use lighting and shading appropriately: Lighting and shading can enhance the 3D effect of Mesh Surface charts. Experiment with different lighting and shading options to find the best way to represent your data.
  • Provide context for the data by including a title, captions, and annotations. Explain the purpose of the chart, the meaning of the data, and any relevant background information.

Best Practices for Using Mesh Surface Charts

  • Choose the right type of chart: Mesh Surface charts are best used when displaying irregularly spaced 3D data that is orderded in a grid. In some cases it may be more appropriate to use a Grid Surface (when all data points have common X/Z coordinates), or Triangulated Surface (when the data points are not ordered in a grid).
  • Simplify the data: Mesh Surface charts can contain millions of data points, and rendering such an amount of data points, especially interactively is very computationally expensive. You can use various methods to simplify the rendered data set like binning or clustering, which are built into the chart.
  • Label axes clearly: Label the x, y, and z axes to ensure the chart is easily interpretable. Include units of measurement if necessary.
  • Use lighting and shading appropriately: Lighting and shading can enhance the 3D effect of Mesh Surface charts. Experiment with different lighting and shading options to find the best way to represent your data.
  • Provide context for the data by including a title, captions, and annotations. Explain the purpose of the chart, the meaning of the data, and any relevant background information.