The orientation of the model is indicated by an orientation icon located at the bottom left corner of the display. This icon indicates the direction of the axes (X for East, Y for North and Z up).
In the view above, the Y-axis points mostly into the screen and a bit to the right, the X-axis points mostly to the right and a bit out of the screen, and the Z-axis points straight up. Note that the backside of the icon is shaded in blue.
In the view above, the Y-axis points mostly to the right and a bit into the screen, the X-axis points mostly out of the screen and a bit to the right, and the Z-axis points straight up. Note that the inside of the icon is shaded in red.
There are three selectable rotation models:
| 1. | Rotations can be applied to the current geometry. This mode allows for a non-horizontal horizons |
| 2. | Rotations can be applied such that the horizon always remains horizontal assuming the Z+ axis is up (Tools > Global Transform Z+ up). |
| This causes the mouse rotation to occur in the opposite way to Tools > Global Transform Z- up. |
| 3. | Rotations can be applied such that the horizon always remains horizontal assuming the Z- axis is up (Tools > Global Transform Z- up). |
This causes the mouse rotation to occur in the opposite way to Tools > Global Transform Z+ up.
The model can be rotated by holding down the left mouse button and wait for the drag mouse pointer 
to appear, then drag the orientation icon around to the desired position. Dragging towards the top or bottom rotates the model up or down. Near the bottom of the screen, dragging towards the left or right rotates the model left or right. Near the top of the screen, dragging towards the left or right rotates the model counter clockwise or clockwise. This operation can be customized using Tools > Rotation Toolbar.
The model can also be rotated using touch screen controls by dragging either 1 or 2 fingers across the screen, and pinching for zoom. This operation can be customized using Tools > Rotation Toolbar.
Notes:
Before rotating the model, you should set the desired centre of rotation
You can adjust the drag wait time using
Rotation and translation operations can be repeated automatically by typing n# before selecting the operation. For example to produce an animated display of a stress plot, specify
View > Rotation Increment > 10
type in 35# from the keyboard
select rotate right (either from the rotation toolbar or the PageDown key)
Press the Esc key to cancel the animation.
Entering 0# will repeat the operation indefinitely. Press the escape key to stop.
Related Topics:
Selecting special view positions