To translate data

Use this option to translate (shift) data in a straight line in any direction by using one of the following methods:

  • Two points.
  • Two points and distance.
  • Facet and distance (the translate direction will be perpendicular to the selected facet).
  • Axis aligned (parallel to an axis) and distance.
  • Bearing, inclination and distance.  

Direction vector guide

The direction vector is a visual aid for these methods and is drawn as an arrow representing the direction and distance to be translated. It is defined and used in the Two point methods and may be used in the axis aligned or bearing/inclination methods. If not used in the axis aligned or bearing/inclination methods, there is no visual guide for translation direction and distance. It is not used in the Facet and distance method, however, this method produces its own direction vector as a visual guide.

The following table summarises the relationships between the Two point methods' direction vector and the other translation methods.

Translation method Two points - Direction vector shown as guide for translation.

Two points

Required, enter values or click at two points.

Two points and distance

Required, enter values or click at two points.

Facet and distance

Not used. This method produces its own direction vector as a guide.

Axis aligned and distance
  • Not necessary (but will not show a direction vector as a guide).
  • Otherwise, firstly create a direction vector using one of the Two points variations - this will be used to show a translation vector for this option later.

Bearing, inclination and distance
  • Not necessary (but will not show a direction vector as a guide).
  • Otherwise, firstly create a direction vector using one of the Two points variations - this will be used to show a direction vector for this option later.

Translate forward / backward

Once the direction and distance have been nominated by one of the translation methods, you click Translate forward to perform the translation process. Use Transform backward to retrace the path back to the start position.

Translate a copy

This option allows you to produce a copy of the selected data/object(s) located at the nominated direction and distance from the source.

General procedure:

  1. On the Edit ribbon tab navigate to the Transform group and select Translate

    OR in the Position and Filter ribbon tab navigate to the Transform group and select Translate.

  2. Select a Translate direction method (the options are listed above).
    Depending on your choice, you can specify two points for a direction (From and To), a distance length, facet (normal) direction, axis or bearing and inclination components.
    Enter values manually into the entry boxes, or click in them and then at the desired location in the View window, or adjust sliders where appropriate.


  3. If using the Two points variations, click on the point or feature that you want to translate, and then on the point to translate to.

Tip: Right-clicking on Translate direction, From or To will display a context menu.

The coordinates of these points will be loaded into the From and To fields.

  1. Select the data / object to be translated in the project explorer and make sure that no other objects are highlighted.

  2. Click the Translate forward or Translate backward buttons to translate (as applicable).

Select Translate a copyto duplicate the original object and translate the new copy each time Translate forward or Translate Backwards is selected.