Polygon

Source file: 3d-polygon.htm

Polygons are closed lines or loops used to define boundaries. Use polygons to define areas of interest for modelling, filtering and cropping data. The polygon tool draws polygons in 3D space. To create 2D polygons see 2D Polygon.

The polygon tool draws polygons in 3D space. The resultant shape is saved in the cad container.

Creating a 3D polygon

Create a 3D polygon as follows:

  1. On the Create ribbon tab, go to the Draw group. From the Polygon drop-down list select Polygon.
    The tool panel will open displaying the input fields for the First point.

  2. Click in the view window to select the first point or enter values manually in the X, Y and Z input fields and press Enter. Click to clear the input fields.

    The Next point drop-down will be enabled, from which you can select the coordinate entry mode as follows:

    • Point - enter the next point's coordinates.

    • Length, bearing and inclination - enter the length, compass direction and inclination angle of the next line segment.

    • Relative offset - enter the next point's distance from the last point in the X, Y and Z directions.

  3. Enter as many points as required to build a polygon using the preferred coordinate entry mode, or by clicking on the action plane.

    The point coordinates, length and angle, or plane relative offset will be displayed as the polygon is being created.

  4. Right-click to complete the polygon.

  5. Repeat the above steps to create another polygon.

  6. Press Esc or click to exit the function, or continue creating polygons.

    7. The polygon is saved in the cad container.

Tip:  Create polygons while in top view , or use snap modes to ensure the polygon is created in the intended location.

Example of a polygon created using snap to point mode and a  completed polygon loaded into the view.

Helpful shortcuts:

Use the following keyboard shortcuts for controlling the tool panel:

  • D to switch to Point entry mode

    • X to highlight the X field

    • Y to highlight the Y field

    • Z to highlight the Z field

  • L to switch to Length and angle mode, then:

    • L to highlight Length field
    • B to highlight Bearing field
    • I to highlight Inclination field

  • R switch to plane Relative offset mode (Action plane), then:

    • X to highlight the Relative X field

    • Y to highlight the Y field

    • Z to highlight Z field

  • Tab to step through the fields.