Adding Features - Angle/Distance

📝 Overview

The Angle/Distance tool allows you to measure or set precise geometry when creating polylines or polygons. It provides a dialog box showing the current angle and distance of the floating line from the last point in the polyline.

You can access this dialog by right-clicking the mouse whilst adding a polygon or polyline.

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⚙️ Setting Values

To set a specific angle or distance:

1. Overtype the displayed values in the dialog box.

2. Click OK to apply.

• Angle is measured in degrees.

• Distance is measured in metres.

✅ The 45º and 90º tick boxes provide a quick method of setting these common values without typing.

💡 Handy hint: Use the check boxes for efficiency when working with perpendicular or diagonal lines.

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📏 How Angles Are Measured

The way the angle is calculated depends on the number of points in the polyline:

• One point in the polyline → The angle is the bearing from north, measured clockwise.

• Two or more points in the polyline → The floating line subtends an angle from the continuation of the last line segment:

  • Positive = clockwise

  • Negative = anti-clockwise

🔔 Important: This distinction ensures that angle values are always relative to either north or the previous line segment.

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🎯 Snap Distance Option

If you select Snap Distance, an infinitely long snapping line is drawn at the specified angle.

• You can then snap to any feature that crosses that line.

• If the feature you wish to snap to lies outside the current viewport, the scroll feature is automatically enabled.

⚠️ Warning: When using Snap Distance, ensure your chosen angle is correct, as the line extends indefinitely and may intersect with multiple features.