MEP15 - Fix axis autoscaling when limits are specified for one axis only

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Status

**Discussion**

Branches and Pull requests

None so far.

Abstract

When one axis of a 2-dimensional plot if overridden via `xlim` or `ylim`,

automatic scaling of the remaining axis should be based on the data that falls

within the specified limits of the first axis.

Detailed description

When axis limits for a 2-D plot are specified for one axis only (via `xlim` or

`ylim`), matplotlib currently does not currently rescale the other axis. The

result is that the displayed curves or symbols may be compressed into a tiny

portion of the available area, so that the final plot conveys much less

information than it would with appropriate axis scaling. An example of such a

plot can be found at the following URL:

http://phillipmfeldman.org/Python/MEP15.png

The proposed change of behavior would make matplotlib choose the scale for the

remaining axis using only the data that falls within the limits for the axis

where limits were specified.

Implementation

I don't know enough about the internals of matplotlib to be able to suggest an

implementation.

Backward compatibility

From the standpoint of software interfaces, there would be no break in

backward compatibility. Some outputs would be different, but if the user

truly desires the previous behavior, he/she can achieve this by overriding

the axis scaling for both axes.

Alternatives

The only alternative that I can see is to maintain the status quo.

MEP15