Plotting in three dimensions

Visualizing functions with two arguments can be challenging. We can create three-dimensional plots in documents; however, achieving this in print or as a PDF demands a projection, a viewpoint, or an angle, along with considerations about depth, causing certain portions to be obscured while others remain visible.

Previously, we plotted the function f(x) = sin(x). Now, by adding an additional dimension, we’ll visualize the function f(x,y) = sin(x)sin(y).

How to do it...

Like in the previous recipe, we will use the pgfplots package. Follow these steps:

1. Start with a document class. Like in the previous recipe, we use the standalone class. But it’s fine if you choose the article class instead:

   \documentclass[border=10pt]{standalone}

2. Load the pgfplots package:

   \usepackage{pgfplots}

3. Begin the document and open a tikzpicture environment:

   \begin{document}
     \begin{tikzpicture}

4. Begin an axis environment with options...