Learning Guide Learning Guide

4.2 Graphing in Three Dimensions • 119> plot3d( sin(x)*cos(y), x=0..3*Pi, y=0..3*Pi, grid=[50,50] );In the next example, a large number of points (100) for the first coordinate(theta) makes the spiral look smooth. However, the functiondoes not change in the z-direction. Thus, a small number of points (5) issufficient.> cylinderplot( theta, theta=0..4*Pi, z=-1..1, grid=[100,5] );The default grid is approximately 25 by 25 points.Shading and Lighting SchemesTwo methods for shading a surface in a three-dimensional plot are available.In the first method, one or more distinctly colored light sourcesilluminate the surface. In the second method, the color of each point is adirect function of its coordinates.Maple has a number of preselected light source configurations whichgive aesthetically pleasing results. You can choose from these light sourcesthrough the menus or with the lightmodel option. For coloring the surfacedirectly, a number of predefined coloring functions are also availablethrough the menus or with the shading option.Simultaneous use of light sources and direct coloring may complicate