Autodesk AUTOSKETCH 8, User Manual

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Chapter 2 Important Concepts
AutoSketch expresses location in three ways: xy (Cartesian), polar, and
isometric coordinates. X-and y-coordinates express location in terms of hori-
zontal and vertical distances from another point. Polar coordinates express
location in terms of distance (radius) and angle. For example, the xy coordi-
nates 7,5 are equivalent to the polar coordinates 8.6,35.5.
Isometric coordinates differ from x- or y-coordinates in that they add a third
axis (z) to the expression. Isometric drawings are usually used to create two-
dimensional views of a three-dimensional object.
Drawing Origin
AutoSketch locates most points in relation to the drawing origin, even if you
move the grid origin. If you move the drawing origin on the page, the entire
drawing shifts to reflect that change. The drawing origin appears onscreen as
colored arrows indicating the positive x and y (and, if isometric, z) directions.
It does not appear on printed output. Normally, the drawing origin is located
at the lower-left corner of your page, however, if you need to move it, you
can center the Drawing Origin on the page, or relocate it with the mouse, or
by entering new coordinates. For more information on moving or modifying
the Drawing Origin, see “Moving the Drawing Origin” on page 49.