AutoCAD 2008 User's Guide > Create and Modify Objects > Use Precision Tools > Use Coordinates and Coordinate Systems (UCS) > Enter 3D Coordinates > 
Enter Spherical Coordinates
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
 
 
 

3D spherical coordinates specify a location by a distance from the origin of the current UCS, an angle from the X axis in the XY plane, and an angle from the XY plane.

Spherical coordinate entry in 3D is similar to polar coordinate entry in 2D. You locate a point by specifying its distance from the origin of the current UCS, its angle from the X axis (in the XY plane), and its angle from the XY plane, each angle preceded by an open angle bracket (<) as in the following format:

X<[angle from X axis]<[angle from XY plane]

NoteFor the following examples, it is assumed that dynamic input is turned off or that the coordinates are entered on the command line. With Dynamic Input, you specify absolute coordinates with the # prefix.

In the following illustration, 8<60<30 indicates a point 8 units from the origin of the current UCS in the XY plane, 60 degrees from the X axis in the XY plane, and 30 degrees up the Z axis from the XY plane. 5<45<15 indicates a point 5 units from the origin, 45 degrees from the X axis in the XY plane, and 15 degrees up from the XY plane.

When you need to define a point based on a previous point, enter the relative spherical coordinate values by preceding them with the @ sign.