The 3D chart displays three-dimensional data. Each data point consists of an X/Y Cartesian coordinate and a Z elevation value. It charts surfaces that are increasing in X and Y and cannot chart surfaces that fold back in X or Y (such as a sphere).

The data must be supplied in one of three basic layouts, Grid, Irregular Grid, or Point. Data can come from many different sources, such as data files or the results of mathematical formulae. Data files can be loaded and saved, and data itself can be customized using the .NET Properties window.

The following topics explain when to use the appropriate type of Grid, Irregular Grid, or Point layout and how to edit them.