[MATRIX-SIG] RFP: PLOT-SIG

[David Ascher]

After somewhat extensive discussion in the MATRIX-SIG, I am officially
submitting a proposal for the creation of a new sig.  Here is the one line
comment and more extended docstring.  I am volunteering as sigmeister.

Please comment. 

This announcement is cc'ed to MATRIX-SIG, but I request that all followups
be directed at the META-SIG.  Please check your cc: line before sending
comments.

--david ascher

--------------------------------

# PLOT-SIG: Development of Data Plotting Solutions for Python

"""
The purpose of this list is to develop, coddle together, adopt or
otherwise make available Python tools for plotting of scientific and
business plots of data.

Plotting needs vary greatly depending on each user's requirements.
Some users wish to see a better API between Python and existing
plotting libraries or programs.  Others would rather see a new
framework which maximally leverages the OOP and dynamic strengths of
Python, at the cost of reinventing a few wheels.  Both strategies will
be entertained by the SIG, with individual members contributing to
projects they wish to see furthered.

Principles guiding the development of all software will include:

  * Ease of use.
  * Integration with other Python packages (NumPy, PIL, etc.).
  * Quality of the software.
  * Quality of the output.

One possible goal for the API project is to develop a package-
independent API for plots, which would produce reasonably
similar results regardless of the plotting package used as a backend
(PLPlot, Gist/Yorick, Gnuplot, etc.), in the same spirit as the
interface defined by the DB-SIG.  Package-specific extensions could
naturally be provided as well.

The goals for the new framework need to be further specified by the
SIG, but include:

  * Complete Python Control.
  * Extensibility/Customizability.
  * High quality rendering both on screen and paper.
  * Portability (at least UNIX/X11 and Win32, MacOS if feasible). 
  * Stealing good ideas others have had.
  * Interactivity

The SIG is open, and membership is expected to include folks who wish to
contribute to the development efforts, folks who have lots of expertise
they wish to share, and novice users who wish to share their lists of
requirements, questions about the available software, etc. 
"""



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