Surface Chart Type in PowerPoint

A surface chart is useful when you want to find optimum combinations between two sets of data. As in a topographic map, colors and patterns indicate areas that are in the same range of values. Use a surface chart when both categories and data series are numeric values.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see a sample presentation containing doughnut chart types and subtypes:

Surface charts have the following subtypes:

1. 3-D surface: This chart type shows show trends in values across two dimensions in a continuous curve, a 3-D view of the data, which can be imagined as a rubber sheet stretched over a 3-D column chart. It is typically used to show relationships between large amounts of data that may otherwise be difficult to see.
   
   
   Note: The color bands in a surface chart do not represent the data series; they represent the distinction between the values.
2. Wireframe 3-D surface: When displayed without color on the surface, a 3-D surface chart is called a wireframe 3-D surface chart. This chart shows only the lines.
   
   
   Note: A wireframe 3-D surface chart is not easy to read, but this chart type is useful for faster plotting of large data sets.
3. Contour: These charts are surface charts viewed from above, similar to 2-D topographic maps. In a contour chart, color bands represent specific ranges of values. The lines in a contour chart connect interpolated points of equal value.


4. Wireframe contour: These charts are also surface charts viewed from above. Without color bands on the surface, a wireframe chart shows only the lines.
   
   
   Note: Wireframe contour charts are not easy to read. You may want to use a 3-D surface chart instead.

Sample Presentation:

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