Using Precision Tools  
Entering Cartesian coordinates
 
 Overview 
 
 Introduction 
 

It is possible to use absolute or relative Cartesian (rectangular) coordinates to locate points when creating objects

To use Cartesian coordinates to specify a point, enter an X value and a Y value separated by a comma (X,Y) The X value is the positive or negative distance, in units, along the horizontal axis. The Y value is the positive or negative distance, in units, along the vertical axis.

The absolute coordinates are based on the UCS origin (0,0), which is the intersection of the X and Y axes. Use absolute coordinates when you know the precise X and Y values of the point.

The following example draws a line beginning at an X value of -2, a Y value of 1, and an endpoint at 3,4. Enter the following in the tooltip

Command: LINE

From point: -2,1

To point: 3,4

The line is located as follows:

The relative coordinates are based on the last point entered. Use the relative coordinates when you know the location of a point in relation to the previous point.

To specify relative coordinates, precede the coordinate values with an @ sign. For example, entering @3,4 specifies a point 3 units along the X axis and 4 units along the Y axis from the last point specified.

The following example draws the sides of a triangle. The first side is a line starting at the absolute coordinates -2,1 and ending at a point 5 units in the X direction and 0 units in the Y direction. The second side is a line starting at the endpoint of the first line and ending at a point 0 units in the X direction and 3 units in the Y direction. The final line segment uses relative coordinates to return to the starting point.

Command: LINE

From point:  -2,1

To point: @5,0

To point:  @0,3

To point:  @-5,-3