Sets options for measuring distances and angles by three-dimensional representation of the E-, N-, and EL-axes (X-, Y-, and Z-axes).
Coordinate System Properties
Shows properties of the active coordinate system.
Coordinate system
Assigns the coordinate system to use to define the axis directions.
Define Coordinate System by 3 Points
Defines a temporary coordinate system by three points. Point 1 defines the origin of the coordinate system. Point 2 defines the end of the local E-axis (X-axis). Point 3 defines the end of the local N-axis (Y-axis).
Measure Distance Between 2 Points
Measures the linear distance between two key points. A key point is any point that you can highlight with the SmartSketch relationship indicators.
Measure Minimum Distance
Measures the shortest distance between two objects.
The software does not use the SmartSketch list when measuring minimum distance. The SmartSketch list is used, however, when measuring distance.
Measure Distance Along Element
Measures from a reference point on an element to the last point clicked on the element, or along the entire element by pressing A on the keyboard. This mode is similar to the Point Along command.
Measure Radius and Diameter
Measures the diameter or radius of a hole or fillet.
Measure Angle Between 3 Points
Measures the angular value between three key points or two surfaces.
Measure Angle Between Objects
Measures the angle between two objects in the model.
Plane
Measures the minimum distance between two objects as projected to a selected plane. The following options are available:
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No Plane - Measures the minimum distance between the two objects.
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Plan Plane - Calculates the apparent minimum distance between the two selected objects. The software calculates the minimum distance along the east and north coordinates and displays it on the ribbon bar. The minimum distances also displays in the graphic view using the annotation texts at the middle point of the solid yellow lines.
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Elevation Plane - East West - Calculates the minimum distance along the north and elevation coordinates and displays it on the ribbon bar. The distance also displays in the graphic view using the annotation texts at the middle point of the solid yellow lines.
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Elevation Plane - North South - Calculates the minimum distance along the east and elevation coordinates and displays it on the ribbon bar. The distance also displays in the graphic view using the annotation texts at the middle point of the solid yellow lines.
Clear
Resets the Cumulative box to zero.
Cumulative
Sums repeated measurements until you clear this box or switch between angle and distance modes.
The remaining controls on the ribbon (defined below) depend on your selection of measuring distance, minimum distance, or angle.
Measuring Distance
Distance
Displays the direct distance between the two points. You can specify the units by clicking Tools > Options and selecting the Units of Measure tab. For more information, see Change a displayed unit of measure.
D East (X)
Displays the delta distance between the two points measured along the E-axis (X-axis).
D North (Y)
Displays the delta distance between the two points measured along the N-axis (Y-axis).
D Elevation (Z)
Displays the delta distance between the two points measured along the EL-axis (Z-axis).
Measuring Minimum Distance
Minimum Distance
Displays the minimum distance between the two selected objects. You can specify the units by clicking Tools > Options and selecting the Units of Measure tab.
D E (X)
Displays the delta distance between the two objects measured along the E-axis (X-axis).
D N (Y)
Displays the delta distance between the two objects measured along the N-axis (Y-axis).
D EL (Z)
Displays the delta distance between the two objects measured along the EL-axis (Z-axis).
Measuring Radius or Diameter
Radius
Specifies the radius of the hole or fillet.
Diameter
Specifies the diameter of the object.
Measuring Angles
Angle
Displays the angle measurement. You can specify the units by clicking Tools > Options and selecting the Units of Measure tab.
Apparent angle
Specifies the angle of the lines projected onto the active view plane. If lines intersect (coplanar), then both the Angle and Apparent angle boxes display values. If lines do not intersect (are not coplanar), then only the Apparent angle box displays a value.
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Copy Measurement
Copies the measurement values from the ribbon.