[RsR] Traditional vs. lattice graphics
On Fri, 30 Dec 2005, Martin Maechler wrote:
If novel plots are invented, they really ``should'' be done via
grid graphics {or maybe via lattice panel functions using grid
graphics}; but I'm not sure we will see such novel plots...
OTOH, for really simple plots {lines, points,.. in only one
'panel'}, the use of lattice/grid does not add much value (I
think) and actually may make it even make it considerably harder
for "traditionalists" to add to such a graphic.
Yes, good point. To expand a little: Single panel plots that are essentially of a scatter plot type, the base framework is usually sufficient and easier to use. If, in addition, a grid implementation is needed, it's usually easy to add. For multiple panel plots, grid/lattice will probably provide better tools. The advantage of having the single panel plots available in grid and not only in base graphics, is that they can be easily re-used in multi-panel plots. So personally, I usually start to write the single panel prototype in base graphics, then transform it to grid and possibly re-use it in other functions. Z