Re: [Matplotlib-users] Most generic way to wrap collections

[Adam H. <hug...@gm...>]

Sorry, quick followup.  I did find the gallery example to plot multiple
patches together:

http://matplotlib.org/examples/api/patch_collection.html

That's excellent.  Now I guess my question is how best to generalize the
process of turning my objects into patches.  I think I will just try to
keep the geometry (ie line --> mpatch.Line) unless anyone has any better
suggestions.

Thanks!


On Tue, Jan 7, 2014 at 3:08 PM, Adam Hughes <hug...@gm...> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I am working on a library for image analysis which stores particles as
> indexed numpy arrays and provides functionality for managing the particles
> beyond merely image masking or altering the arrays directly.  I've already
> designed classes for many common shapes including Lines/Curves,
> Circles/Ellipses, Polygons, Multi-shapes (eg 4 circles with variable
> overlap).
>
> What I'd really LOVE to do would be able to generate a
> matplotlib.Collection instance from these objects as generally as possible.
>  Then, I'd be able to show data as a masked image, but also get a really
> nice looking plot from the objects in their Collection representation.
>
> So my question really is in the implementation.  First, is there a general
> collection object that could work with ANY shape, or am I better off
> matching my shape to that collection?  For example:
>
>     line --> LineCollection       *vs.*    line --> GeneralCollection
>     circle --> CircleCollection           circle ---> GeneralCollection
>
> And then, is the Collections plotting API flexible enough to mix all of
> these types together?  Or would I have to settle for only being able to
> plot a collection of any 1 shape type at at time?
>
> I will delve into the API further, but ascertaining this information would
> really help me get started.
>
> Thanks
>