Coordinates in AutoCAD (2D)

Hi Everyone,

When we start learning AutoCAD, first thing we need to understand is coordinate system.

To understand this first we need to understand what coordinates are?
"Coordinates are distances or angles, represented by numbers, that uniquely identify points on surfaces of two dimensions (2D) or in space of three dimensions 3D."
Types of coordinates in AutoCAD :
  • Absolute coordinates, measured from the UCS origin (0,0)
  • Relative coordinates, measured from the last point entered.
As we know AutoCAD has two modes one is 2D and another is 3D. We shall discuss about 2D coordinates in this post and 3D in next post.

In AutoCAD 2D we use two type of coordinate systems.

  • Cartesian Coordinates
  • Polar Coordinates
Cartesian Coordinates:
These are also called rectangular coordinates, have two (X,Y) or three straight-line axis that define the position of the points.

Syntax :
distance along X-axis, distance along Y-axis
The example below draws a line beginning at an X value of -1,a Y value of 1 and an end point at 7,4:


Command: line
Specify first point: -1,1
Specify next point or [Undo]: 7,4

The line is located as shown in the image on the right :

Polar Coordinates :
These coordinates are defined the location on a 2D plane in form of distance and angular displacement form the origin separated by an angle bracket (<). Angles, by default increases in the counter clockwise direction. (this can be changed with units command). The picture on the right shows the default angle orientations in AutoCAD.

Syntax :
Relative Coordinates  : @distance<angle    (Use "#" instead of "@" for absolute coordinates)



The example below draws a line beginning at 0,0, to a distance of 5 and angle 45 degrees and next line from this point at a distance of 5 and angle 30.



 


Command: line
Specify first point: #5<45
Specify next point or [Undo]:   @5<30
Specify first point:




So Guys, this was all about 2D coordinates in AutoCAD. I hope I was clear in writing and the post is helpful. In later posts we shall discuss about 3D coordinates.


Thanking You,

- Abhay Chauhan

PS : Don't forget to comment and share the post with your friends.

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