Glossary

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absolute coordinates

coordinates measured from the origin of the coordinate system. In two-dimensional graphs, the origin is (0,0). In three-dimensional graphs, the origin is (0,0,0). See also relative coordinates.

aspect ratio

the ratio of width to height (that is, width divided by height) in an output area such as a display, plotter, or film recorder. In SAS/GRAPH software, the ASPECT= graphics option simulates a change in the aspect ratio of the display, causing fonts and circles to be compressed horizontally or vertically or both.

axis

a one-dimensional line representing the zero point on a scale used to plot values of x , y , or z coordinates. In SAS/GRAPH software, in two dimensions, the X axis represents the horizontal plane, and the Y axis represents the vertical plane. In three dimensions, the X axis represents width, the Y axis represents depth, and the Z axis represents height. See also Cartesian coordinate system. The term axis may also refer collectively to the axis line, the major and minor tick marks, the major tick mark values, and the axis label.

axis area

an area bounded by axes. In SAS/GRAPH software, this area may be enclosed by an axis frame. See also frame.