Curves - Floating Curve

Last updated: 2026-02-24

Overview

Creates a Curve (arc) that is tangent to a selected Arc, Circle, Line, Polyline, or Alignment object. The Curve is displayed dynamically with the cursor position until the final end point is selected.

Usage

WisDOT Design tab> Draw panel > Curves dropdown > Floating Curve

The tool can also be accessed from the command line: DOTDRAWFLOATINGCURVE.

1. Select line, arc, circle, polyline, or alignment: Select a line, arc, circle, polyline subentity, or alignment subentity to draw a curve tangent from.
2. Curve Radius: Enter the desired radius for the curve.
3. If first object selection was line-based
   1. Select end point [Radius TangentTo]: The direction of the curve will be determined by the selection point on the curve. Moving the cursor will show the tentative curve. Click the desired end point for the curve or:
      1. Radius: Change the radius of the curve
      2. TangentTo: Select this option to set the end point tangent to another Arc, Circle, Line, Polyline subentity, or Alignment subentity.
         1. Select second line, arc, circle, polyline, or alignment: Select the second line, arc, circle, polyline subentity, or alignment subentity.
         2. Select desired curve [Radius]: All possible curves will be displayed. Select the curve that is desired.
4. If first object selection was arc-based
   1. Select end point [Radius TangentTo Reverse Flip]: Click the desired end point for the curve. Moving the cursor will show the tentative curve or:
      1. Radius: Change the radius of the curve
      2. TangentTo: Select this option to set the end point tangent to another Arc, Circle, Line, Polyline subentity, or Alignment subentity.
         1. Select second line, arc, circle, polyline, or alignment: Select the second line, arc, circle, polyline subentity, or alignment subentity.
         2. Select desired curve [Radius]: All possible curves will be displayed. Select the curve that is desired.
      3. Reverse: Reverse the direction of the curve.
      4. Flip: Flip the direction of the curve. Only available when the entered curve radius is greater than the selected curve radius.