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Defining a Point in Space


You can define a point in space by entering its coordinates on the keyboard. There are four methods for specifying points other than pointing graphically with the cursor. The relative mode is always on since 2009 edition.
Geometric
Absolute
Relative (displacement)
Polar
NOTE You can define points only when the entry requests coordinate entries (POINT).
The coordinates are always entered in the x, y, z order. The different methods are explained below.
GEOMETRIC POINTS
Enter the x, y, z coordinates in the input line. You must enter all three coordinates.
For example: 7.5 6.25 3
ABSOLUTE POINT  
Using the parameter a, define the coordinate to which you want to move. You only have to specify one axis - the others remain static.
Examples:
ay 17.7 indicates that the next point is at y=17.7; the x and y coordinates do not change.
ayz 5 5 indicates that the next point is at y=5, z=5; the x coordinate does not change.
RELATIVE POINT  
Typing just the value, you can define the next point relative in the direction of the mouse. Using the parameter d (displacement), you can explicitly define the axis direction relative to the current point (visible on the status line).

Examples:

dx 7 indicates that the next point is at 7 units from the current cursor position on the x axis; y and z coordinates do not change.

dxy 4 1 indicates that the next point is at 4 units from the current cursor position on the x axis and at 1 unit from this position on y axis; z coordinate does not change.

dxyz 3 11 7 indicates that the next point is 3 units from the current cursor position on the x axis, 11 units along the y axis and 7 units further along the z axis.
POLAR POINT
Typing 2 values will be understood as distance + angle.relative to the curent point.

Example:

7 30 indicates that the next point is 7 units from the current cursor position, along a line on the curent plane at a 30° angle relative to the x axis, counterclockwise.
Same as for d parameter for distance , one can explicitly put the plane by = + 2 axes.

Example:

pyz 1 -45 indicates that the next point is 1 unit from the current cursor position, along a line on the yz plane, at a 45° angle relative to the y axis, clockwise.

pxyz 1 45 45 indicates that the next point is 1 additional unit from the current cursor position, along a line with a 45° angle about the xy plane, and a 45° angle about the z axis.
NOTE You can use the four different types of defining coordinate values together in a string.