Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 20.62
Samples of a ruled
loft at left and a
smooth-fit loft on
the right
N
O R M A L
T
O
Normal To is a set of four options presented in a pop-up menu. To understand what this option
does, you need to know that
normal
is a mathematical term referring to a direction that is per-
pendicular to a plane, as shown in Figure 20.63. In these options,
Normal
refers to the direction
the surface takes as it emerges from a cross section.
FIGURE 20.63
A normal is a direc-
tion perpendicular
to a plane.
Normal
Plane
If you use the All Cross Sections option, the surfaces emerge in a perpendicular direction
from all the cross sections, as shown in the first image in Figure 20.64. If you use the End
Cross Section option, the surface emerges in a direction that is perpendicular to just the end
cross section, as shown in the second image in Figure 20.64. The Start Cross Section option
causes the surface to emerge in a direction perpendicular to the start cross section. The Start
And End Cross Sections option combines the effect of the Start Cross Section and End Cross
Section options.
