A three-dimensional object formation instruction apparatus receives information pertaining to distribution of a predetermined physical quantity in a three-dimensional space, and on the basis of the received information, determines a shape of a representation body representing the physical quantity, and then, on the basis of the received information, determines a position at which the representation body representing the physical quantity is to be arranged. The three-dimensional object formation instruction apparatus generates a three-dimensional object formation instruction including an instruction to form an object having the determined shape at the determined position, and outputs the generated instruction.