MEP15 - Fix axis autoscaling when limits are specified for one axis only

Status

Discussion

Abstract

When one axis of a 2-dimensional plot if overridden via set_xlim or set_ylim, automatic scaling of the remaining axis should be based on the data that falls within the specified limits of the first axis.

Detailed description

When axis limits for a 2-D plot are specified for one axis only (via set_xlim or set_ylim), matplotlib currently does not currently rescale the other axis. The result is that the displayed curves or symbols may be compressed into a tiny portion of the available area, so that the final plot conveys much less information than it would with appropriate axis scaling.

The proposed change of behavior would make matplotlib choose the scale for the remaining axis using only the data that falls within the limits for the axis where limits were specified.

Implementation

I don't know enough about the internals of matplotlib to be able to suggest an implementation.

Backward compatibility

From the standpoint of software interfaces, there would be no break in backward compatibility. Some outputs would be different, but if the user truly desires the previous behavior, he/she can achieve this by overriding the axis scaling for both axes.

Alternatives

The only alternative that I can see is to maintain the status quo.