三维图形是通过网络分析和配电系统建模来清晰显示时空信息的有效手段。这些信息通常以表格格式生成。对于平均尺寸的系统（200个管道），每个稳态输出大约有10页长。反复比较表格输出可能会很乏味。有两种类型的三维图形:曲面和条形图。条形图相当于二维条形图，而曲面则提供了像航空照片一样的等高线图的透视图。与传统建模相比，唯一需要的额外数据是节点坐标。为了展示三维图形如何增强网络分析和建模，本文给出了一个案例研究，其中一些图形显示了三维输出。作者最后对三维图形软件的开发提出了六点建议。

Three-dimensional graphics are an effective means of making clear the spatial/temporal information generated by network analysis and modeling of distribution systems. This information is usually generated in a tabular format. For an average size system (200 pipes), each steady state outputs is about 10 pages long. Repeatedly comparing tabular output can be tedious. There are two types of 3-D graphics: surface and bar-field. The bar field is the equivalent of a 2-D bar chart, while a surface offers a perspective view of a contour plot like an aerial photograph. The only additional data required as compared to traditional modeling are node coordinates. To show how 3-D graphics can enhance network analysis and modeling, a case study is given, with a number of figures showing the 3-D output. The author ends with six recommendations for development of 3-D graphics software.