Measuring Function

Measuring Functions Guide

Accessing Measurement Tools

You can access DICAM's measurement functions anytime through the help menu. There are several ways to open this menu:

• Select the Measure button in any open dialog box

• Press the middle mouse button when no dialog box is open

• Hold down the Shift key and press the right mouse button

Note: For a three-button mouse to respond correctly, you must configure the middle button properly in your mouse's configuration software.

Measurement Types: Global vs. Local

DICAM distinguishes between two measurement reference systems:

• Global measurements: Coordinates, distances, and angles are referenced to the current coordinate system

• Local measurements: Results are referenced to the body coordinate system of the selected member

Measurement Results Display

For the "point to point" and "line" measuring functions, results appear in a comprehensive dialog box containing:

Upper section:

• X, Y, and Z coordinates of the first and second points

• Absolute distance between the two points

Middle section:

• Distance between points parallel to X, Y, and Z axes of the current coordinate system

• Distance between the projected points on the three standard planes

Lower section:

• Angles between the line projection and each coordinate system axis

• Angles between the line and each standard plane

Available Measurement Functions

Point to Point Measurement

Determines distances and angles between two points. You can select auxiliary points or endpoints of auxiliary lines and body edges as measurement points.

Line Length Measurement

Calculates values for a guide line or body edge. This function provides the same measurements as the point-to-point function.

Parallel Lines Measurement

Determines the perpendicular distance between two parallel lines. The position and length of the lines in space don't affect the measurement. This function only calculates the distance between lines.

Point to Line Measurement

Measures the perpendicular distance from a point to a construction line or solid edge. This function only calculates the distance between the point and line.

Angle Between Two Planes

Determines the angle between any two planes. You can define each plane using either:

• Two lines

• Three points

Angle Between Line and Plane

Calculates the angle between a construction line (or solid edge) and any plane. You can:

• Define the plane using two lines or three points

• Select the line directly or specify it using two points

Angle Between Two Lines

Measures the angle (W) between the projections (P) of two lines (L1, L2) onto a plane (E).