Polyline Direct Input Explanation - In 3D Mode

[BoroCAD]

Hi,

 

 

I'm just starting to learn how to use the 3D environment in AutoCAD (2014 version). I'm following some tutorials but I'm a bit confused regarding direct input values when using the polyline command. Could someone please explain what each step means?

 

 

I've drawn a 50mm square, starting at coordinate 130,130,0 (lower left corner) using the polyline command (NOT using the Close command to complete the square). The next step then states draw a second polyline using the following input @7

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

BoroCAD

[ReMark]

You are instructing AutoCAD to draw a line at a specific length ( @7 ) and angle (

[nestly]

@7

 

The "@" symbol specifies the coordinate entry will be relative to the last selected point

Conversely, the "#" symbol specifies the coordinate entry will be the absolute location relative to 0,0 (in the current coordinate system)

 

The "

 

130,130,0 (or #130,130) means the point will be 130 units right of 0,0 and 130 units above 0,0

@130,130 means the point will be 130 units to the right of the previously point, and 130 units above the previous point

@7

 

Also keep in mind that polylines can only be drawn (created) on the XY plane, so while they can be useful in a 3D environment, you can't directly draw them into the 3rd dimension.

[BoroCAD]

As soon as I clicked send I figured out that the

 

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

 

ReMark - Thanks for the reply though, it helps with my understanding. What does the

[ReMark]

I assumed you were working in metric units and therefore a decimal angle, that was not a whole number, would be expressed as 45,55 instead of 45.55 as one would type if they were working in imperial units. My mistake. I should have asked first.

[BoroCAD]

Nestly - Thanks, I was typing my response above while you were posting. You've given a great explanation, that's brilliant. As stated above I believe it was a typo in the tutorial. I'm going to let the tutor know.

 

 

Your last line is very interesting and a great piece of knowledge. FYI - I was drawing a simple wire framed shape.

[steven-g]

Also keep in mind that polylines can only be drawn (created) on the XY plane, so while they can be useful in a 3D environment, you can't directly draw them into the 3rd dimension.

Just a small addendum, a polyline can be started anywhere in 3d space but any subsequent points have to be at the same Z level (or parallel to the UCS)

[BIGAL]

Borocad to confuse Pline v's 3dpline accepts 3d points

 

Looking at UNITS

10

10

10

You can also set where angle 0 is relative to we use 0=North