An Application of Carpet and Lattice Plotting

Extract

The carpet and lattice methods of plotting the relationship between three and four variables respectively, developed by R. F. Sargent, of the National Physical Laboratory, have been described previously by A. H. Yates, who gave examples related to the presentation of aerodynamic and engine performance data. Outside these fields there appears to be still some lack of appreciation of the usefulness of this form of graphical representation, although it is capable of wide application. The writer has found both carpet and lattice plotting of great value in connection with the preparation of structures data sheets, and is convinced that interpolation is generally rendered easier and more accurate if graphical data are presented in this way. In one particular instance it was found possible to develop a nomogram in the form of an “ extended lattice ” plot, which gave in graphical form a direct solution to a set of equations which could be solved otherwise only by continuous approximation.