A Query, much like building a dimension, is used to determine the distance or angle between objects or a set of points. It is intended to be a one time operation that returns many values for analysis. It is typically returned as a vector group containing both a distance and direction to indicate the magnitude of displacement between the selected objects. Queries are not dynamic, and will not update as the position of objects are changed, providing a means to record relative distances at any time during a project. For dynamic queries, you can also enable Auto-vectors as part of a relationship.
The Queries section of the Reporting Tab contains numerous methods for comparing points and objects. A bulk of your analysis needs can be found under this menu item. All query commands automatically account for target offset unless otherwise noted.
The output of most query commands is either a Query Results dialog or a vector group. The result dialog will contain query specific results and can be used to create a relationship by selecting Create Relationship.
A vector group is a graphical depiction of the magnitude between points and objects. It is often displayed with arrows (whiskers) showing the deviation from the object to the point.
When a point is compared to an object it is projected to the object using a local normal and then the difference is calculated. The below example is the result of a point to object query. The dx, dy and dz values represent the difference between the point and its projected point in working coordinates. dMag represents the magnitude. Conventionally magnitude does not carry a sign but since objects have a positive and negative side the magnitude sign can be used to determine which side of the object the point lies. Also, the
Generates a vector group using auxiliary data. This allows the user to view and chart auxiliary data as you would with 3D data.
Cloud to cloud query is unique in that it generates a colorized cloud from the relative distances between cloud points. The cloud colorization and voxel callouts can then be used to determine the precise distances between the clouds at particular locations. This analysis approach is designed for larger data sets than cannot typically be analyzed using vector groups, because of performance and graphic limitations.
This command calculates a color map to show the deviations between two point clouds.
The first selected object is the reference object.
The second selected object is the measured object that will be projected on the reference. This cloud will be copied and colorized according to the deviations.
Each point is projected in the direction of the local normal of the cloud on a local plane. In other words, the “distance” is not the closest distance to a point of the target cloud, but the closest distance to a local plane of the target cloud.