How to reproduce plots from a reference paper to put in my own paper

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of reproducing plots from a reference paper for inclusion in a scientific paper. Participants explore methods for ensuring that their generated plots match those in the reference while addressing copyright concerns and the appropriateness of direct reproduction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests scanning the plots from the reference paper as a potential method for reproduction.
  • Another participant raises the issue of copyright, recommending contacting the copyright holder for permission to reproduce images.
  • Some participants propose that simply stating the plot is identical to a figure in the reference paper may suffice, without needing to reproduce the plot itself.
  • A participant shares a specific software tool, Dagra, which can be used to import and manipulate images of plots, allowing for accurate reproduction of data points.
  • There is a mention of contacting the principal investigator of the reference paper to obtain permission for using their results, with some participants reporting positive responses.
  • Several participants express enthusiasm for the Dagra software, sharing personal experiences and recommending its use for this purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and appropriateness of reproducing plots directly versus simply referencing them. There is no consensus on the best approach to take regarding copyright and reproduction methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential copyright issues and the importance of obtaining permission, but there is uncertainty about the necessity of reproducing plots versus referencing them. The discussion also highlights the use of specific software tools, which may have varying levels of acceptance among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Researchers and students involved in scientific writing and publication, particularly those needing to reproduce or reference graphical data from existing literature.

Urmi Roy
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I'm writing a scientific paper and I'm basing it on a set of simulations that I carried out. I have generated some plots and I need to show that my generated plots are exactly the same as the ones on a reference paper.
Obviously, I can't just copy-paste the plots from the reference. So how do I go about this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
scan it in?
 
Urmi Roy said:
I'm writing a scientific paper and I'm basing it on a set of simulations that I carried out. I have generated some plots and I need to show that my generated plots are exactly the same as the ones on a reference paper.
Obviously, I can't just copy-paste the plots from the reference. So how do I go about this?

Is the reference paper copyrighted? If so, contact whoever has the copyright to ask permission to reproduce the images, and in your paper, indicate that you have obtained that permission.
 
You probably don't need to do anything except say "This plot is identical to figure xyz in [reference to the other paper]."

Copying the plot into your paper seems like a waste of space, quite apart from the copyright issues.
 
Thanks for the ideas! Scanning it in seems like an easy way to do it.My project instructor wants the plots from the reference and at the same time he seems to be really against the idea of copying them, even if I say that 'this is from so and so paper'.
 
Hmmm... I guess my previous response got deleted, prob because it was a single word/link. I'll expand upon it this time.

Use http://blueleafsoftware.com/Products/Dagra/, it's a free trial for 30 days, but it's worth every ($20) dollar. You import any picture file and place two lines for the axis. Then you place markers on the data points. Dagra you can load a picture that's at a 67.232° angle and Dagra will "straighten" it based on your defined axis.

When using it for my research, I contacted the PI of the paper to ask for his permission to use his results. Every one of them was fine with it. Even if you still don't want to publish their data, you can still use their data so that you can say, "The results of this test match the results of (reference here) within 2.5%."
 
Thanks, I think I'll try Dagra! I just hope I can use it properly.
 
Hey just wanted to drop in and say Dagra's awesome! Thanks a lot for the suggestion, AIR&SPACE !
 
No problem :biggrin:

I remember I downloaded the 30 day trial thinking "I'm just going to use it for the trial then get rid of it." Then I started using it and I was blown away, bought it within 10 minutes of downloading the trial, lol. It truly is an amazing program, filling an important need, at an amazing price (and a trial period to let you try it out). Simply awesome.

Glad I could help!
 

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