Why is z first?

why do the config files not use the common Cartesian format of x, y, z ?
this is, afaik, the Only common method for writing 3d coordinates

yet in the config files we use z, x, y ?

just … why ?

Cartesian coordinates (in a plane or space)

Main article: Cartesian coordinate system

The most common coordinate system to use is the Cartesian coordinate system, where each point has an x-coordinate representing its horizontal position, and a y-coordinate representing its vertical position. These are typically written as an ordered pair (x, y). This system can also be used for three-dimensional geometry, where every point in Euclidean space is represented by an ordered triple of coordinates (x, y, z).

1 Like

Probably because the z axis, being front to back on the aircraft, is generally the longest and hence is considered the primary axis of measurement?

thats kinda my point here, the z axis is up/down in 3d as depicted here in this diagram and in the sdk docs with
“In the Z axis the center should be approximately where the water level would be.”
https://docs.flightsimulator.com/html/mergedProjects/How_To_Make_An_Aircraft/Contents/Modelling/Airframe/File_Setup.htm

in 2d its, x, y (left/right up/down) called an ‘ordered pair’ or 2-tuple
in 3d its x, y, z (front/back left/right up/down) called an ‘ordered triple’ or tuple
in the 3d model x is front/back
you add a new letter (normally alphabetically) so you have x, y, z not z, x, y :stuck_out_tongue:
idk maybe im still missing something here, but the way its listed in the configs seem un-necessarily confusing to me
we have an “ordered triple” that is not in order lol

If i remember they changed it from FS9 to FSX? There was definitely something like that in FSX where they changed the order and it made no sense.

2 Likes

Because programmers wrote the SDK, and they use their programming logic when they think, and very often don’t pay any attention whatsoever to common, generally agreed upon nomenclature. That would take extra time and thought, and “they don’t have time for that”. It’s like letting them design UI’s… “What were they thinking???”…

I’m not knocking them per se, they have a lot of work to do and they’re focused on their work… It’s just a fact of life.

Of course, if employers actually hired enough people to do the job correctly instead of overworking their staff…

(I mean, why wouldn’t we make the pick station that the case goes by first number 1… no, no, no, make the last pick station in line number 1… What??? How did you even decide that???..We even labeled it in the opposite direction when we gave you the map…??? sigh, whatevah.

I’m sure somehow in their head it makes sense.)