Maxsurf has defined its views to be consistent with Naval Architecture standards throughout all view windows.

In the case of the sample trawler, the origin of the coordinate system at the forward-most point on the model’s waterplane, as illustrated by the  symbol in the profile view of the trawler:

 In the design view windows, other than the perspective view, Maxsurf displays a number of co-ordinates and measurements in the bottom-left corner of the windows.

 View a video that will show you how to measure absolute and relative coordinates and angles in Maxsurf. [Web | Disk]

To ensure that coordinates are interpreted correctly, the units must be set as desired.

Ø  Select Units from the Data menu and select Metres for Dimension Units. 

Ø  In the Profile window, left-click the aft intersection of the datum waterline and the surface’s edge. (Point A)

Ø  Now move the cursor towards the bow and hover at point B. As you do so, watch the coordinates change in the coordinate bar in the bottom of the Profile window.

1.      The horizontal coordinate in metres of the cursor’s tip (Point B relative to the origin). The horizontal axis is relative to the screen, e.g. here the horizontal axis runs longitudinally but in the body plan view the horizontal axis runs transversely.

2.      The vertical coordinate in metres of the cursor’s tip (Point B relative to the origin).

3.      The counter-clockwise angle in degrees between a line connecting the cursor’s tip (B) and the clicked point (A) and a line running right from the clicked point (in this case the waterline to the right of point A). If no point has been clicked, the angle is relative to the origin.

4.      The relative distance in metres between A and the cursor’s tip B. If no point has been clicked, the distance is relative to the origin.

Continue with the section on Using the mouse in Maxsurf.