2004

Table Of Contents
546 | Chapter 20 Dimensions and Tolerances
Ordinate dimensions consist of an X or Y value with a leader line. X-datum
ordinate dimensions measure the distance of a feature from the datum along
the X axis. Y-datum ordinate dimensions measure the distance along the Y
axis. If you specify a point, AutoCAD automatically determines whether it is
an X- or Y-datum ordinate dimension. This is called an automatic ordinate
dimension. If the distance is greater for the Y value, the dimension measures
the X value. Otherwise, it measures the Y value.
AutoCAD uses the absolute coordinate value of the current UCS to determine
the ordinate values. Before creating ordinate dimensions, you typically reset
the UCS origin to coincide with the datum.
The dimension text is aligned with the ordinate leader line, regardless of the
text orientation defined by the current dimension style. You can accept the
default text or supply your own.
To create ordinate dimensions
1 From the Dimension menu, choose Ordinate.
2 If straight ordinate leaders are required, turn Ortho mode on.
3 At the Select Feature Location prompt, specify a point location.
4 Enter x (X Datum) or y (Y Datum).
You can skip this step by making sure that the ordinate leader endpoint is
close to vertical for an X datum or close to horizontal for a Y datum.
5 Specify the ordinate leader endpoint.
Dimension toolbar
Command line
DIMORDINATE
X ordinate
Y ordinate
UCS origin