Align + Distribute Nodes on a line at any angle

Requirement:
It should be possible to align Nodes along a straight line at any angle. Not just in a horizontal or vertical direction (as with Align nodes today).
It should be possible to distribute Nodes along a line at any angle.
The Line could be A) calculated (mean) from the selected nodes or B) allow a path selection.

image_2021-03-14_090811

Workaround:
Rotate the object so the nodes are nearly horizontal, then use the Align command. Rotate the object back to the original position. Disadvantages being the loss of position and the extra steps needed.

Suggestions:

  • Add a 2 new command icons to the Align and Distribute Panel. Align on Angle and Distribute on angle.
  • These commands have the line options:
    -- Between end points
    -- Mean Line through points
    -- Mean Line + skip outliers %-deviation
    -- Selected Path (straight or curved)
    image_2021-03-14_081357
    Technical considerations:
  • For Align, nodes should be 'projected' onto the target line in a direction normal to the line.
  • For Distribute, nodes could be aligned as an initial step. But that could be an option, as distribution spacing is possible even if they do not align.
Edited by ian