16.1. The four graphic systems in R

As stated earlier, four primary graphical systems are available in R. The base graphic system in R, written by Ross Ihaka, is included in every R installation. Most of the graphs produced in previous chapters rely on base graphics functions.

The grid graphics system, written by Paul Murrell (2006), is implemented through the grid package. Grid graphics offer a lower-level alternative to the standard graphics system. The user can create arbitrary rectangular regions on graphics devices, define coordinate systems for each region, and use a rich set of drawing primitives to control the arrangement and appearance of graphic elements.