Description
Return flipped = -signedDistance and magnitude = abs(signedDistance).
A signed distance depends on a chosen normal or axis orientation. Projection parameters, perpendicular distances and reflected signs are different quantities; a nonunit direction introduces a scale into its parameter.
Return flipped = -signedDistance and magnitude = abs(signedDistance).
When to use this tool
Use Signed Line Distance Orientation Flip when checking a supplied projection, orientation or reflection convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter signedDistance. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read flipped, magnitude. Use the output convention below.
Return flipped = -signedDistance and magnitude = abs(signedDistance).1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| signedDistance | Signed Distance | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| flipped | Flipped | Required. Finite number. |
| magnitude | Magnitude | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"signedDistance": -3
},
"output": {
"flipped": 3,
"magnitude": 3
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- This reverses an already supplied orientation sign, not the geometry of measured points or a newly computed distance. Zero magnitude has no meaningful side.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use complete geometric objects and consistent units to compute actual distances, projections or multi-axis reflections.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Signed Distance Axis Reflection Effect
before = value-plane; after = plane-value, the signed coordinate difference after reflecting the value across the fixed plane coordinate.
- Taxicab Component Sign Change
distanceBefore = abs(component-otherComponent).