Coordinate Systems

A coordinate system is defined by a layout of grid lines, with an origin and orientation positioned with respect to the fixed default GLOBAL coordinate system, which always exists. The Define menu > Coordinate Systems command (and the Edit menu > Grid Data > Add/Modify Grids command) can be used to add, modify, or delete a coordinate system. An unlimited number of coordinate systems, each with an unlimited number of grid lines, can be defined. Each coordinate system must have a unique name. A new coordinate system can be a Cartesian or Cylindrical grid system. A Cartesian coordinate system may have skewed grids. The origin of a coordinate system can be shifted from the GLOBAL coordinate system origin (0,0).

SAFE uses the grid lines of the coordinate system to provide a framework for the placement of objects in the model. Drawing operations tend to "snap" to grid line intersections, unless you turn this feature off. This facilitates accurate construction of your model.

Note: The coordinate systems also can be accessed by expanding the tree under Coordinate Systems on the Model tab in the Model Explorer window, or by right clicking in a blank area of a display window showing an undeformed shape and selecting the Edit Grid Data command from the resulting pop-up menu.

System display box. The names of existing coordinate systems are displayed here. By default, GLOBAL will display because this system must always exist.
Add New System button. Use this button to add a new coordinate system to the model using the Coordinate System Definition form.
Add Copy of System button. Use this button to add a new coordinate system based on an existing coordinate system.

Step-by-step

Modify/Show System button. Use this button to review or modify an existing coordinate system.

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Delete System button. Use this button to delete a coordinate system from the model.

Step-by-step