17 - 2   Axis Variable Assignment

For 2D and 3D Cartesian plots, Tecplot 360 EX initially assigns the first and second variables in the dataset to the X- and Y-axes, respectively. For 3D axes, the third variable in the dataset is assigned to the Z-axis.

To change variable assignments for 2D and 3D axes, select "Assign XY" or "Assign XYZ" from the Plot menu. For line plots, assigning axis variables is part of defining the mappings. See Chapter 6: “XY and Polar Line Plots” for more information.

The axis range may be modified using the Range page of the Axis Details dialog, accessed via the Plot menu or by right-clicking an axis in a plot. See Axis Range Options for XY and 2D/3D Plots and Axis Range Options for Polar Plots.

When working with axis ranges, please keep the following definitions in mind:

• Axis Range - Specifies the minimum and maximum data values displayed along the axis. The range for an axis fits the value of the first variable assigned to that axis. If you deactivate the current layer and activate another layer, it may be necessary to reset the axis range.

• Axis Length - Specifies the physical length of the axis on the screen or paper.

• Axis Scale - Specifies the ratio of the axis length to the axis range.