Measure Two

Introduction

This topic will explain the Measure Two function, describe where to find it, and the options found in it. This topic will also provide quick steps and an example on how to use it, and provide links to related topics.

The Measure Two Function

The Measure Two function measures various dimensions of, or spaces between, two selected entities. To perform the function, you select the entities to measure, and the Measure Entity dialog box displays all the available dimensions. Measuring particular entities will present you with flags for each available measurement in the graphics area. The entities that present the graphical representation in the graphics area are as follows:

 

Entity1

Points

Arcs

Splines

Lines

Entity 2

 

Points

Lines

Arcs

Splines

Arcs

Points

Splines

Points

Arcs

Parallel Lines

 

 

Along with wireframe entities, it is also possible to measure the edges and snap points of solid models. These behave the same way as their wireframe counterparts.

To open Measure Two: 

 

  • In the Measure group, of the Evaluate ribbon, click Measure Two.

The Data Entry Parameters

Selection Mode

The Measure Two function offers two selection modes: Reference and Chain. Both handle the initial measurement of two entities the same way, but they specialize in how additional measurements are handled:

 

  • Reference - Measures each new entity against the first selected entity. Ideal for comparing multiple entities to a single reference point.

  • Chain - Measures each new entity against the last selected entity. Perfect for sequentially measuring entities against one another.

 

First Entity

 

(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.
The list box will list the entity currently selected for the function.

Second Entity

 

(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.
This list box will show the entity currently selected for the function.

 

  • Cancel - cancels the function when finished.

Quick Steps - Measure Two

  1. Open the function.

    The First Entity list automatically has focus.

  2. Select the first entity.

    The geometry is added to the First Entity list, and the Second Entity list is automatically given focus.

  3. Select the second entity.

    The measurements appear.

  4. With the preview showing the desired result, click OK.

  5. Repeat as necessary.

  6. Click Cancel to close the function.

 

Tip: Certain measurements will display on flags in the graphics area.The position of these flags can be adjusted by clicking once on the colored area, and again to place the flag.

Example

 

Part 1) Opening the Measure Two Function

 

  1. In the Measure group, of the Evaluate ribbon, click Measure Two.

    The Measure Two parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.

Part 2) Selecting the First Entity

The Measure, Two Entities function has two main steps; select the first entity, and select the second entity.When selecting lines or straightedges, it is good practice to select snap points to specify which point of the line or edge is to be measured from. 

 

  1. In the graphics area, hover over the entity as shown in the image below.

     

    The entity highlights for a moment, and then the snap points appear.



  2. Hover over the snap point shown in the image below.



    The snap point highlights.

  3. Click the snap point.



    The first Entity highlights, and is added to the First Entity list.

Part 3) Selecting the Second Entity

In the same manner the first entity was selected, we will now select the second entity. 

 

  1. In the graphics area, hover over the second entity as shown in the image below.



    The second entity highlights for a moment, and then the snap points appear.



  2. Hover over the snap point shown in the image below.



    The snap point highlights.

  3. Click the snap point.



    The point is added to the Second Entity list, the Measure Entity dialog box displays in the Measure Entity Manager, and the measurements display in the graphics area. The Measure Entity dialog box may need to re-sized in order to view make all the information visible. Otherwise, you can click the title bar (that displays Measure Entity), and drag the window to any other location in the user interface if you prefer. You can also click and drag the separator between the Property and Value columns to better view the descriptions.

Part 4) Adjusting the Position of Measurements in the Graphics Area

When the measurements initially display in the graphics area, all of the data may not be visible. Zooming in and out will have an effect, but it may be desirable to adjust the position of the individual flags.

 

  1. In the graphics area, click on the black Dist flag as shown in the image below.



    The Dist (Distance) flag moves to the front.



  2. Move your mouse in the graphics area and notice the Dist flag move with it.



  3. Click again in the graphics area to place the flag.



  4. Repeat as necessary with the other flags.


Part 5) Canceling the Measure Two Entities Function.

The measurement data visualized as flags in the graphics area, disappear as soon as the function is canceled. The data in the Measure Entity dialog remains until another measurement is taken, or the dialog is closed.

 

  1. Click Cancel in the Measure Two function in the Data Entry Manager.

    The measurement flags in the graphics area disappear.



    Notice the measurement information contained in the Measure Entity dialog box remains.

This concludes this example.

Related Topics

The CAD Overview