kayybee wrote:

Wes64 wrote:

joefarebrother wrote:

dracae wrote:

What system is Scratch's direction based on anyways!?

I think it's compass bearings, where 0 is north and it goes clockwise. But I don't know why it goes from -180 to 180 instead of 0 to 360.

because kids equate -90 and 90 as “opposite”, which is true as left is opposite right. its less obvious to view 90 and 270 as opposite.

-180 and 180 are opposite numbers, but are the same angle, so…

(Also, -90 exists on any angle system as it is coterminal to 270, so the same thing applies for 270)

yes, i am aware of all of those things, i am just speculating as to why the scratch directions use a range of -179 to 180

DadOfMrLog wrote:

Indeed, there are *many* cases in mathematical/physical situations where the angle is traditionally measured from the vertical.

This is true! Once you know trigonometry, you may apply it in 3D-situations, and use it to define spherical coordinates, in which another angle is extended from the third axis. Angles do not have any orientation, polar coordinates do. When using either spherical or cylindrical coordinates, the angle in the x-y-plane increase in a counter clockwise direction from the x-axis. Both spherical and cylindrical coordinates use 2D polar coordinates in the x-y-plane. 2D polar coordinates are written like this:

X= r*cos(angle)
Y=r*sin(angle)

This is not something that is only used in ‘specific’ or ‘particular’ applications, or something that is taught in school and then abandoned when you grow up to do 3D-math. This is an iso-standard for mathematics. Polar coordinates have traditionally not been taught in compulsory school since traditional mathematics education is based on a paper&pen approach. As we move into the digital era, kids will use polar coordinates whether we teach it or not. So why not follow the agreed upon international standard when introducing it to them?

BUMP

The analog directions just make everything go all wrong. No trigonometry I use relating to the direction of a sprite works properly because Scratch's direction system is weird. Can't we have a trigonometric direction system? It make everything extremely difficult like it is, even to new users. I can't take the frustration at the lengthy workarounds I have to use because of it. Please consider this ST.

How to make it work under the current system: switch sin and cos
Sine pertaining to trig direction:

([cos v] of (direction))

Cosine pertaining to trig direction:

([sin v] of (direction))

That said, I'll agree that the “clock face with negative time” direction system is rather strange, and since Scratch uses a standard Cartesian coordinate system it should use the equivalent standard measurement of angles out of the origin.

–Danlo

dracae wrote:

Here's what it'll be like:

The top is default, and the bottom displays the options.

guys guys please look at this pretty concept art