Surface Point

This command creates a dependent point that lies on a surface or relative to it. This is enabled with a NURBS object that contains a surface.

Procedures

To create a dependent surface point:

  1. In the NURBS toolbox, turn on (Create Surf Point).
  2. Click over a NURBS surface to position the point.
  3. The surface cross-section and cursor are highlighted during this operation.
  4. Right-click to end the create operation.
  5. At the Point sub-object level, adjust the point’s position relative to the surface by adjusting the surface point parameters in the Surface Point rollout.

Interface

While a surface point sub-object is selected, the Surface Point rollout appears. These controls are similar to the curve point controls.

U Position and V Position

If the point is on the surface, these coordinates specify the point's location, based on the surface's local UV coordinates.

On Surface

Specifies that the point lies on the surface, at the location specified by U Position and V Position.

If the point lies on the surface, you can move it using the Move transform. You can also move it using the Move Surface Point button. See Editing Point Sub-Objects. Either way, this updates the U Position and V Position values.

Offset

Moves the point according to a relative (object space) X,Y,Z location.

X Offset, Y Offset, and Z Offset

Specify the object space location of the offset surface point.

Normal

Moves the point along the direction of the surface's normal.

Distance

Specifies the distance from the surface, along the normal. Negative values move the point opposite to the normal.

Tangent

Moves the point along the tangent of the UV position.

U Tangent and V Tangent

Specify the distance from the surface along the tangents at U and V.

Replace Base Surface

(Only at modification time.) Lets you replace the parent surface. Click the button, then click the new surface on which to base the surface point.

Parent topic: Creating and Editing Point Sub-Objects