RcArc

RcArc is an open‑source software package for the modelling and analysis of circular arcs in two‑dimensional layout design. The project was first released in 2018 under an MIT licence by developer Alex M. The tool is written in Python and relies on standard scientific libraries such as NumPy and SciPy for numerical calculations. RcArc can generate arc geometries given a set of constraints—radius, central angle, chord length, or end‑point coordinates—and returns the Cartesian coordinates of points along the arc for use in CAD or layout simulation tools. The package also provides functions for computing arc‑to‑arc intersections, tangent lines, and the curvature of composite paths, which are useful in designing smoothly‑transitioning track or circuit segments. RcArc includes a command‑line interface that accepts input files in JSON or CSV format and outputs resulting point coordinates in CSV. The project uses continuous integration on GitHub Actions and has a modest but active community of contributors. Though limited in scope compared to full‑featured CAD software, RcArc is appreciated in hobbyist and academic settings for its simplicity, portability, and the fact that it can be integrated into larger automation pipelines.