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Error using surf Z must be a matrix, not a scalar or vector.

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I was trying to plot using the following code but i get this error. Please help me. Thank you!
x=(0:0.1:pi);
y=(0:0.1:pi);
[X, Y]= meshgrid(x,y);
Z=(sin(0.3*x)+(1+1./(1+cos(y).^2)));
surf(X, Y, Z);
Error using surf
Z must be a matrix, not a scalar or vector.

Accepted Answer

KSSV
KSSV on 21 Feb 2024
Edited: KSSV on 21 Feb 2024
You have to use X and Y i.e matrix in the calculation Z.
x=(0:0.1:pi);
y=(0:0.1:pi);
[X, Y]= meshgrid(x,y);
Z=(sin(0.3*X)+(1+1./(1+cos(Y).^2)));
surf(X, Y, Z);

More Answers (1)

Hassaan
Hassaan on 21 Feb 2024
Edited: Hassaan on 21 Feb 2024
To correct this, you need to use X and Y from the output of meshgrid in your calculation of Z, ensuring that Z is a matrix where each element corresponds to a combination of x and y values.
x = 0:0.1:pi;
y = 0:0.1:pi;
[X, Y] = meshgrid(x, y);
Z = sin(0.3*X) + (1 + 1./(1 + cos(Y).^2));
% Create the surface plot
surf(X, Y, Z);
% Add a title and axis labels
title('Surface Plot of Z = sin(0.3X) + (1 + 1./(1 + cos(Y).^2))');
xlabel('X axis');
ylabel('Y axis');
zlabel('Z axis');
% Add a colorbar to the figure to show the mapping of color to the Z values
colorbar;
sin(0.3*X) and cos(Y).^2 compute the sine and cosine values over the matrices X and Y, respectively, producing a matrix Z that matches the dimensions of X and Y. This makes Z suitable for plotting with surf. The key here is to use X and Y after they've been generated by meshgrid for any operations that contribute to the Z values.
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It's important to note that the advice and code are based on limited information and meant for educational purposes. Users should verify and adapt the code to their specific needs, ensuring compatibility and adherence to ethical standards.
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