Basics of Coordinate Metrology
Unit 3:  Coordinate Systems in Space - Points in Space

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Thus, each point in space has a fixed position. To specify the position of a point,
its perpendicular distance from the YZ plane must be determined (this gives the x value of point P)
its perpendicular distance from the XZ plane must be determined (this gives the y value of point P)
its perpendicular distance from the XY plane must be determined (this gives the z value of point P)

   

Point p is written P (x, y, z). Thus, for example, if point P is

3 units from the origin (zero point) on the x axis,
2 units on the y axis and
1 unit on the z axis:

it is written P(3, 2, 1).