python matplotlib.pyplot log-log plot points not showing because the y range is poorly chosen by python

Question

In the following code that generates a log-log plot, python picks an x range that does not show the points on the scatter plot

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

plt.scatter([.005,.005],[1,2])
plt.xscale('log')
plt.yscale('log')
plt.show()

Additionally, if you instead use the following code, it works fine:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

plt.plot([.005,.005],[1,2])
plt.xscale('log')
plt.yscale('log')
plt.show()

Usually python picks a good range for both the x and y values. Why does it not in this case?

Please note that I am aware it is possible to change the x and y ranges so that the default is not used. My question is specifically asking why python does not choose a good range in this case.

Thanks

I appears this is a duplicate of Why does matplotlib require setting log scale before plt.scatter() but not plt.plot()?

To anyone reading this, please let me know if I should remove this question or if you'd recommend something else. Thanks

What's strange is that plt.plot([.005,.005],[1,2], 'o') works fine — Sheldore
– Sheldore, Commented Sep 30, 2018 at 1:32
you have a good point, that is very strange, I'll add that to the question, thanks — Mathew
– Mathew, Commented Sep 30, 2018 at 1:34
A similar issue had been raised here. If you look at the end of the discussion, you will find the same alternate as I suggested: use plt.plot with o as markers — Sheldore
– Sheldore, Commented Sep 30, 2018 at 1:39
your link provides a link back to a SO question that is unanswered: stackoverflow.com/questions/38800189/… — Mathew
– Mathew, Commented Sep 30, 2018 at 1:42
I didn't go through the complete thread of discussion but I thought of just sharing it with you. @ImportanceOfBeingEarnest might be aware of updates. Wait for his response. — Sheldore
– Sheldore, Commented Sep 30, 2018 at 1:48

ImportanceOfBeingErnest · Accepted Answer · 2018-09-30 01:49:36Z

6

Judging from various threads (this issue, this issue, this issue, this question) we can conclude that this is a probematic issue to solve. ...but only if you require to set the scale after the plotting.

If you set the scale before plotting, it's not a problem:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

plt.xscale('log')
plt.yscale('log')
plt.scatter([.005,.005],[1,2])

plt.show()

answered Sep 30, 2018 at 1:49

ImportanceOfBeingErnest

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