SYNOPSIS:
\dottedline[optional dotcharacter]{dotgap in units}(x1,y1)(x2,y2)...(xn,yn)
The above command connects the specified points by drawing a dottedline
between each pair of coordinates. At least two points must be
specified. The dotted line is drawn with inter-dot gap as specified in the
second argument (in unitlengths). Note that since integral number of dots
have to be plotted, the interdot-gap may not necessarily be exactly as
specified, but very close. It really doesn't matter in visual appearance
except when the length of dottedline is very small. By default, a little
square (\picsquare
, described later) is used as the dot, and can be
changed by optionally specifying another character. The thickness of dots is
governed by currently effective \thinlines
, \thicklines
or
\linethickness...
declaration when the default character is used. Note
that some characters such as ``*'' in roman font do not come out centered,
although most other characters do.
One can obtain a solid line by specifying a very small inter-dot gap.
Since LATEX provides for only finite number of slopes for drawing lines,
this gives a general way of making lines with arbitrary slopes. However, if
solid lines are made using above technique, there is a good chance
TEX will run out of memory, hence it is suggested that this command be used
only for ``dotted'' lines. Another, much more efficient, way of making solid
lines is described later in the section on \drawline
.
Each ``dot'' in the dottedline is plotted as a centered object, including those at the end points. Thus, a dottedline with a large-sized dotcharacter may appear to be longer although, technically speaking, correct. To clarify the point, below are three lines of equal length and, in the case of dottedlines, with equal spacing: