In addition to fitting a function to a set of data values, NLREG can generate
various plots showing the fit or providing information about the quality
of the fit.
Function Plot
A function plot displays the actual data values as X-marks and shows how
the fitted function aligns with the data points. Optionally, the plot can show
vertical lines between the data points and the function curve representing the
residual (error) values for each point. It is also possible to specify a domain
over which the function will be plotted allowing it to be extrapolated in either
direction beyond the domain of the data values.
3D Surface Plot
The Advanced version of NLREG supports 3D surface plots. Surface plots depict the
value of the dependent variable on the Z axis and two independent variables on
the X and Y axes. Circles are used to show the actual data points. Optionally,
contour lines can be shown on the base surface below the figure.
Surface Contour Plot
The Advanced version of NLREG supports surface contour plots. Contour plots depict the
value of the dependent variable as color-coded regions and
the values of two independent variables on
the X and Y axes.
Surface Residual Plot
The Advanced version of NLREG can generate 3D surface residual plots showing
the computed and actual value of each data point for functions with two independent
variables. The computed and actual points are shown as circles with a line connecting
them. Optionally, a contour plot of the function values can be shown on the
surface of the plot.
Function Residual Plot
This type of plot shows the residual (error) values. That is, each Y value
corresponds to the difference between the actual value of a data point and the
computed value of the fitted function at the corresponding X value. It is useful
for identifying data points that deviate significantly from the fitted function.
Normal Probability Plot
The actual value of each residual is plotted on the vertical (Y) axis and the expected value
of the residual, assuming the residuals are normally distributed, is plotted on the horizontal
(X) axis. If the residuals are normally distributed, the resulting plot will be a straight
line passing through the origin with a slope of 1.
A normal probability plot is useful for determining whether the residuals are normally
distributed. If they are not normally distributed then the form of the function being
fitted may be inappropriate for the data.
Controlling Plot Colors
NLREG allows you to specify the colors of various items in a plot. Three sets
of color values are stored: (1) colors for plots displayed on your screen,
(2) colors for plots that you print, and (3) colors for plots saved to disk
files.
Saving Plots to Disk Files
NLREG makes it easy to save plot images to disk files so that you can import
them into documents. Once you get a plot that you want to save, just click the
"Save-plot" button and specify the name of the file, the size of the plot and
whether you want it saved as a JPG image or a BMP image.
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