In the next article we are going to take a look at Veusz. This is a scientific plotting and graphing program that is designed to produce publication-ready 2D and 3D plots. The program is a Qt application written in Python, PyQt and NumPy. Also, it can be used as a module in Python. Veusz is cross-platform, so we can run it on Gnu / Linux, Windows and on macOS. It is also free software and is released under the GPL license.
With Veusz, users can easily draw 2D and 3D paths. It can also be used as a Python module to make the strokes. Object-based plotting widgets are a very important feature in this program. Veusz supports data import from text, CSV, HDF5, and FITS and vector, bitmap, PDF, Postscript, SVG, and EMF output.
With the helps offered on their website, the program can be used by a novice user and is flexible for advanced work. In Veusz, charts are created by creating plot widgets with a consistent object-based interface, where the user sets the properties of the widgets. We will find many options available to customize the plots.
The program allows importing data, adding data sets within the program and new data sets can be created, through manipulation of existing data sets using mathematical expressions and more. The program can also be extended with Python plugins, adding plugins that support importing of new data formats, different types of data manipulation or to automate tasks.
Some general characteristics of Veusz
2D plotting features
- XY charts (with error bars, colors and sizes).
- Graphs of lines and functions.
- Contour plots.
- Staggered charts (for histograms).
- Images (with color mappings and color bars).
- Vector field plots.
3D plotting features
- 3D dot graphics.
- Multiple 3D axes.
- 3D surface plots from data.
- Multiple plots allowed in a 3D space
- 3D function line graphs.
Input and output
- Export to EPS / PDF / PNG / SVG / EMF.
- Creation / manipulation of data sets.
- Import of text, CSV, HDF5, FITS, NPY / NPZ, QDP, binary and user plugin.
- Data can be captured from external sources.
Stretch
- Use as a Python 2/3 module.
- User-defined functions, constants and also external Python functions can be imported.
- Plugin interface to allow user to write or upload code.
- Scripting interface.
- Control with DBUS and SAMP.
Other characteristics
- Data selector.
- The program offers an interactive tutorial.
- Multithreaded representation.
These are just some of the features that this program offers. They can consult all of them in detail from the project website.
Install Veusz on Ubuntu
We will be able to install the plotting and graphical representation application through Ubuntu's default package manager or from the official PPA that we find available.
To perform the installation we will only have to open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and execute the following command to update the list of available software:
sudo apt update
Then it only remains to write the following command to start the application installation:
sudo apt install veusz
Once the installation is finished, we can find the program launcher in our operating system.
If you prefer to start it from the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T), run this command in it:
veusz
Install Veusz via PPA
If you are interested install the latest available version of the Veusz application, you can use the following PPA. In the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T), we will execute the following command to add the PPA to the list of repositories:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:jeremysanders/ppa
Now we will execute this other command to update the list of available software:
sudo apt update
At this point, we only have to execute the command installation to get the latest version of the scientific application Veusz:
sudo apt install veusz
For more information on how to use this program you can consult the project website.