matlab中contourm,MATLAB 中contour函数的使用

转自：http://msemac.redwoods.edu/~darnold/math50c/matlab/contours/index.xhtml

Contour Maps in Matlab

In this activity we will introduce

Matlab's contour command,

which is used to plot the level curves of a multivariable function.

Let's begin with a short discussion of the level curve concept.

Level Curves

Hikers and backpackers are likely to take along a copy of a

topographical map when verturing into the wilderness (see Figure

1).

A topographical map has lines of constant height.

If you walk along one of the contours shown in Figure 1, you will

neither gain nor lose elevation. You're walking along a curve of

constant elevation. If you walk directly perpendicular to a

contour, then you are either walking directly downhill or uphill.

When the contours are far apart, the gain or loss in elevation is

gradual. When the contours are close together, the gain or loss in

elevation is quite rapid.

The level curves of a multivariate function are analogous to the

contours in the topographical map. They are curves of constant

elevation. Let's look at an example.

Sketch several

level curves of the function f(x,y)=x2+y2.

Solution:We are interested in

finding points of constant elevation, that is, solutions of the

equation

f(x,y)=c,

where c is

a constant. Equivalently, we wish to sketch solutions of

x2+y2=c,

where c is

a constant. Of course, these "level curves" are circles, centered

at the origin, with radius c. These level

curves are drawn in Figure 2 for

constants c=0, 1, 2, 3, and

4.

Level curves of f(x,y)=x2+y2 lie

in the xy-plane.

Matlab:It's a simple task to

draw the level curves of Figure 2 using

Matlab's contour command.

We begin as if we were going to draw a surface, creating a grid

of (x,y) pairs

with the meshgridcommand.

x=linspace(-3,3,40);

y=linspace(-3,3,40);

[x,y]=meshgrid(x,y);

We then use the function f(x,y)=x2+y2, or

equivalently, z=x2+y2, to

calculate the z-values.

z=x.^2+y.^2;

Where we would normally use

the mesh command

to draw the surface, instead we