DIRECTIONAL SYSTEM: Points of a compass

The points of the compass give us an absolute set of reference points, it is fixed by the Earth's magnetic fields. We can also fix the direction points to something smaller (like a piece of paper for example, or the computer monitor). The top = N, bottom = S, etc.

The chain code that we just produced is an algorithm that gives a symbolic representation of the triangle's shape, size and orientation. This information also provides precise rules for reconstructing that figure in a drawing. We will typically write the chaincode in one of either two ways. Either as

After you've written down the complete chain code, click the button that says "Completed Chain Code" below, and see if you got it right.

Since digital computers typically use a numerical system for storing information (everything is coded in "O's" and "1's") it will be a step in the right direction to modify our directional system to a numerical system rather than a letter system. Computer programmers typically use this system.

INSTEAD OF

Relative chain codes

It is possible to base an eight-directional coding system on relative directions. Each of the eight directions will be defined in relation to a moving perspective. Think of it this way. Imagine that you are driving a car around the perimeter of the object, marking a line behind you as you go. From any given point you have eight options. You can continue to go forward ("F") in the same direction that you have been going, you can go backward ("B") in the opposite direction, you can turn to the left ("L") or to the right ("R"). These are the four main points of the compass. The other four directions are derived from the four basic ones, as can be seen in the compass to the right.

 

Write down the relative chain code for this figure on a piece of scratch paper. When you've finished, click the button that says "See Completed Chain Code" below, and see if you got it right.