Geometric Construction Basics 1-11
Defining Positions
In AutoCAD, there are five methods to specify the locations of points when we create
planar geometric entities.
Interactive method: Use the cursor to select on the screen.
Absolute Coordinates (Format: X,Y): Type the X and Y coordinates to locate the
point on the current coordinate system relative to the origin.
Relative rectangular coordinates (Format: @X,Y): Type the X and Y coordinates
relative to the last point.
Relative polar coordinates (Format: @Distance<angle): Type a distance and angle
relative to the last point.
Direct Distance Entry Technique: Specify a second point by first moving the cursor
to indicate direction and then entering a distance.
The Guide Plate
We will next create a mechanical design using the different coordinate entry methods.