User`s guide

Lesson: Inputting Data ■ 49
Absolute and Relative Coordinates
When you type coordinates, they can be in the form of an absolute or a relative coordinate.
■ An absolute coordinate represents a specific point in the current coordinate system relative to the
origin point (0,0). To enter an absolute coordinate, type the values as a Cartesian coordinate (x,y)
or Polar coordinate (distance angle).
■ A relative coordinate is a point located from a previously selected point. To enter a relative
coordinate, select your first point, then precede the next coordinate point with the @ symbol. For
example @5<45 would mean 5 units at 45 degrees from the last point selected, and @3,5 would
mean 3 units in the positive x direction and 5 units in the positive y direction from the last point
selected.
Note that when the Dynamic Input option is selected in the Status Bar relativity is automatically
assumed.
Entering Coordinates
■ You can enter coordinates any time the software is in point acquisition mode, that is, when the
Command line is prompting you to specify a point or distance.
■ Every drawing contains the world coordinate system (WCS). The WCS is identical in every drawing
and cannot be altered. For example, an object placed at the absolute coordinate 10,10 would be
positioned in the same location in any drawing.
■ Unless you specifically define a User Coordinate System, all geometry you create is drawn relative
to the WCS.
The UCS icon displays differently when you are working in the world coordinate system
versus a user coordinate system. The UCS icon for the world coordinate system contains
a small box at the origin of the X and Y axes.
Absolute and Relative Coordinate Examples
Coordinate Absolute Relative
Cartesian coordinate 24,46 @24,46
Polar coordinate 15<45 @15<45