Analysis > Analyze Curves presents four different graphical analyses and one mathematical analysis of a Curves Object (the product of Polygons > Cross Section).
The controls are:
Tangents checkbox - generates a tangent line at every point of the Curves object. The highest curvature on the Curves object is indicated by the most dense array of tangent lines.
Circles checkbox - generates a perpendicular line at every point along the Curves object where the curvature switches direction. Each perpendicular line indicates where one individual “curve segment” ends and another begins.
Curvature checkbox - generates whiskers that point toward the inside of each “curve segment” and whose length is relative to the curviness at that position on the Curves object.
High Curvature Points checkbox - specifies whether to highlight the portion(s) of the Curves object whose curvature is Curvature Radius or less.
• Curvature Radius field (applies when High Curvature Points is checked) - specifies the radius of curves that will be highlighted in the Viewing Area.
Statistics group - presents mathematical statistics such as the maximum and minimum radius and curvature that is found anywhere on the object.
Radius Statistics (minimum, average, maximum, and standard deviation) - describe the radii of the set of curve segments that comprise this Curves object.
Curvature Statistics (minimum, average, maximum, and standard deviation) - describe the curvature of the set of curve segments that comprise this Curves object. The curvature of a curve segment equals the reciprocal of the radius.
OK button - terminates the dialog.