How to Create a Discontinuous X-Axis in Matplotlib Using Subplots?

Creating Discontinuous Axis in Matplotlib

Generating a plot with a discontinuity in the x-axis presents a challenge in Matplotlib. The standard approach displays values and then skips over a segment, continuing with later values. This is typically represented as (values)----//----(later values), where // signifies the skipped interval.

Standard Solution

Paul's custom transformation approach provides a viable solution, as seen in the given answer. However, an alternative method using subplots offers a simpler implementation.

Using Subplots

Paul Ivanov's example in the Matplotlib documentation demonstrates how to create a discontinuity in the x-axis by using two subplot axes and adjusting their views. This approach involves:

• Plotting the data on both axes.
• Zooming in (via set_xlim) to display different portions of the data (e.g., one axis for most data and the other for outliers).
• Adjusting the spines to remove the lines between the axes.
• Enabling axis ticks on the appropriate sides.
• Customizing the space between the axes.

Adding Broken Axis Lines

For a more visually appealing effect, broken axis lines // can be incorporated using additional commands:

• Define the endpoints of the diagonal lines in axes coordinates.
• Plot these lines using the appropriate transformation and disabling clipping.
• Position the lines at the corners where the axes meet.

By adjusting the space between the subplots, these diagonal lines will move accordingly, maintaining their position at the tips of the broken spines.

The above is the detailed content of How to Create a Discontinuous X-Axis in Matplotlib Using Subplots?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!