Set a Local Coordinate System in a Model

Define the plane that will be the xy plane of the local coordinate system. The z axis of the coordinate system is the normal of the plane.

Select Set Local Coordinate System from the tool strip. Select the definition method from the auxiliary menu.

• Set local coordinate system with line and point
  1. Click a line that determines the x axis direction.
  2. Click a point that determines the xy plane and the y axis direction in relation to the line.
  3. If necessary, mirror the coordinate axes.

     Mirror Coordinate Axis

• Set local coordinate system with three points
  1. Click the origin point.
  2. Click the direction point of the x axis.
  3. Click a point that determines the xy plane and the y axis direction in relation to the x axis.

  The direction of the coordinate system is fully defined so you cannot mirror the axes.

• Set local coordinate system on plane
  1. Click the plane surface that determines the xy plane. The edge line of the plane surface determines the x axis direction.
  2. If necessary, mirror the coordinate axes.

     Mirror Coordinate Axis

• Set local coordinate system on plane and x axis according to straight line
  1. Click the plane surface that determines the xy plane.
  2. Click a line that determines the x axis direction.
  3. If necessary, mirror the coordinate axes.

     Mirror Coordinate Axis

You can rotate the xy plane of the local coordinate system perpendicularly to the viewer by selecting Rotate view point.

Remove the local coordinate system and return to the global coordinate system by selecting Set global coordinate system.

When a local coordinate system is in use, the tool strip has the icon: .