A 1D data set represents a point. It can have any number of coordinates, including 0 (working theoretically, not yet tested). If the number of expected coordinates is known (3 by default), and the point has this number of specified coordinates, then the values of the coordinates can be listed without any other . The 1D data set must be enclosed by < and > in the following cases :
The 1D data set can be enclosed by < and > whenever you want, even if it is not necessary.
Examples:
0 0 0
0 0 1 3.0 -1
<1 5 7.2 .9 -3.2>
A 2D data set represents a set of points, each being described as a 1D data set. They are used by various objects to represent string of points related in a certain way. For example, the DVlines object used 2D data to represent a string of lines, so there's a line between any 2 adjacent points.
For a stand alone 2D data set (not part of a 3D data set) and for the first 2D data set out of a 3D data set, the first point defines the number of expected coordinates. If the first point is not enclosed by < and >, the number of expected coordinates is 3. Otherwise, the number of real values enclosed by < and > for the first point will set the expected number of coordinates for all the points that follow.
If the 2D data set is enclosed by { and } , then it is considered as a part of a 3D data set, even if there is only 1 2D data set.
Examples:
A simple 2D set with 3 coordinates.
25.2 0 9.3
25.2 5 9.3
20 0 11.4
20 5 11.4
A set with 7 coordinates. The 4th point has only 5 coordinates.
<4 1 0 0 1 0 0>
4 1 2 1 1 0 0
4 3 5 2 1 0 0
<4 1 7 3 1>
Note. A 1D data set is a particular case of 2D data set and can be used whenever a 2D data set is required.
A 3D data set is a list of 2D data sets enclosed by { and }. As mentioned before, the first point of the first 2D data set defines the expected number of coordinates for the entire 3D data set.
Example:
{<42 1> 1 0 0 28 41 29 42 2 }
{4 28 3 3 14 2 }
{7 3 8 10 }
{4 10 6 9 }
The number of points in each 2D data set from the 3D data set can be different, but the number of coordinates is the same everywhere.
Note. A 2D data set is a particular case of 3D data set and can be used whenever a 3D data set is required. recursively, this also applies to a 1D data set.