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Basics of Coordinate Metrology
Unit 3: Coordinate Systems in Space
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Step 2 of 5
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 Up to now, we have only looked at coordinate systems on the drawing plane, that is, in two-dimensional space. However, the reality is three-dimensional and so is the position of objects in space. Thus, every part, apart from its length and width, also has a height. Thus, in order to be able to specify a point on a part in space, in addition to the x and y coordinates, another one is needed: the z coordinate. The associated z axis is perpendicular to both the x axis and the y axis, as can be seen in the figure on the right.
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 Tip:
To be able to determine the directions of the axes and the order of the x, y and z axes, the right-hand rule is
applied:
Spread the first three fingers of your right hand, as seen on the right. By virtue of the right-hand rule, your thumb becomes the positive x axis, the index finger, which
is at a right angle from the thumb, becomes the positive y axis and the middle finger becomes the z axis. The position of the middle finger is of decisive importance. It points in the positive z direction. No matter how you rotate your right hand, the positive direction of the z axis
is determined by the right-hand rule.
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