add scatter plot method to dataset

[clarkfitzg]

Follow up on original plotting

[barronh]

+1

Especially useful when using unstructured spatial datasets like observation stations.

import xarray as xr
nstations = 9
data = np.random.random(size = nstations)
longitude = np.random.random(size = nstations) + -90
latitude = np.random.random(size = nstations) + 40
da = xr.DataArray(np.random.random(nstations ), dims = ['station'], coords = dict(longitude = ('station', longitude), latitude = ('station', latitude))
da.scatter(x = 'longitude', y = 'latitude')

[darothen]

This certainly could be useful, but since this is essentially plotting a vector of data, why not just drop into pandas?

df = da.to_dataframe()
# Could reset coordinates if you really wanted
# df = df.reset_index()
df.plot.scatter('longitude', 'latitude', c=da.name)

Patching in this rough functionality into the plotting module should be really straightforward, maybe @jhamman has some tips?

[pwolfram]

I agree this could be helpful... is there any interest in reviving this stale issue?

[aidanheerdegen]

In the absence of a dedicated method, it is possible to obtain a scatterplot with the keyword options to plot.line():

rho_so_remap.plot.line(marker='o',linewidth=0.)

[zxdawn]

@aidanheerdegen Thanks for the code. I suppose it's better to mention this method for DataArray in User Guide. @dcherian
Should I create a PR for example like this?

air = xr.tutorial.open_dataset("air_temperature")['air']

air.isel(lon=10, lat=[19, 21, 22]).plot.line(x="time", marker='o',linewidth=0.,markersize=1)