To create a contour plot, you need two variables for the x- and y-axes and at least one more variable for contours. You can also use several y-variables. This example uses the Little Pond.jmp sample data table. X and Y are coordinates of a pond. Z is the depth.
1.
Select Help > Sample Data Library and open Little Pond.jmp.
2.
Select Graph > Contour Plot.
3.
Select the X and Y coordinates and click X.
4.
Select the depth, Z, and click Y.
5.
Click Specify.
7.
Select Minimum as -4.
8.
Select Maximum as 8.
9.
10.
Example of a Contour Plot with Legend
The x- and y-axes are coordinates and the contour lines are defined by the depth variable. This contour plot is essentially a map of a pond showing depth. To see the contours more clearly, click the red triangle menu and select Fill Areas.