TwoMeter.pp2 and Ruler.pp2 are based on a bit of information from the Poser manual which states that "Poser considers one DFX unit equal to the male figure's height--about six feet." In the Poser universe, the standard form of measurements are "box" props and "trans" units. (Ten "box" props equal one "trans" unit.) Since the male figure is seven and a half "boxes" tall (or 0.750 "trans" units) it's easy to do the math and divide the units into their English and Metric counterparts.

Here's the breakdown:

1 "box" prop = 9.6 cubic inches = 24.4 cubic centimeters

or

1 foot = 0.125 trans units (a "box" prop scaled to 125% would be a cubic foot)--see illustration at left
1 meter = 0.410 trans unit (a "box" prop scaled to 41% would be 10 cubic centimeters)

TwoMeter.pp2 is meant to get an approximation for the height of your Poser figures. Each segment of the ruler, up to 150 cm, would be approximately 50 cm in the Poser universe. Segments past 150 cm are 10 cm high.

The prop's default scale setting is that of the "typical" American adult female. It measures 64.25" (163.2 cm) from the "head" of the prop to the "ground" of the Poser studio. Since the prop measures in percentages, it can be scaled to accomodate your figures.

Pointer.pp2 should not be scaled or moved--please use the top 3 parameter dials "Feet", "Decimeters" and "Move Pointer" to adjust the height settings and the distance of the pointer from the right of the measuring platform. This should give you a pretty accurate translation of Poser units to their metric or english equivalents.

Both props should be used with the Ruler.pp2, NewRuler.pp2 or TwoMeter.pp2 prop to translate the information into english or metric measurements. (NewRuler.pp2 pictured left.)

Poser English and Metric equivalents are based on the P4 male (6' high, according to the Poser manual)

The tables (table.gif) and prop (fem1472.pp2) were adapted from MIL-STD-1472D which compares the average sizes of American men and women for human engineering uses.

The JPEG image "example.jpg" should give you an idea how all three props work together to get accurate measurements.

Hopefully the tables and the Fem1472 prop will be useful tools in creating characters that deviate from the Poser ideal adult. You may also be interested in using it to determine where your own creations fall relative to the average American woman.