Coordinate Systems: 3D Angles Explained

[Trave11er]

Hi!

I see there are three 3D coordinate systems based on either 3 number (cartesian), 2 numbers and 1 angle (cylindrical) and 1 number and 2 angles (spherical). So can't there be a system based on 3 angles? Thank you.

 

[Integral]

Seems to me you would have some troubles defining the location of a point in space with 3 angles and no distances. Play with it see if you can see why.

 

[HallsofIvy]

I have to disagree with Integral here.

Given three points initially, then the angles the lines from each of those points to point p make with the plane containing the three points are unique and will establish a coordinate system.

If you already have a Cartesian coordinate system then (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), and (0, 0, 1) will work nicely.

 

[Trave11er]

I have to disagree with Integral here.

Given three points initially, then the angles the lines from each of those points to point p make with the plane containing the three points are unique and will establish a coordinate system.

If you already have a Cartesian coordinate system then (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), and (0, 0, 1) will work nicely.

Wow! That is very nice. Thank you a lot.