Transformscale1

Transformscale1 is a parameter in a generic 3D transformation system that controls uniform scaling of a scene object. It represents the scale factor applied to the object's local transform, affecting the size equally along the x, y, and z axes. The value is typically a floating-point number, with a conventional default of 1.0, meaning the object retains its base size.

In the transformation pipeline, the scale component combines with translation and rotation to form the final world transform, usually represented as a 4x4 matrix. Transformscale1 contributes to the local scale before any parent scaling is applied. Consequently, the final size of an object is the product of its own transformscale1 and the scale values of its ancestor objects in the scene graph.

Interactions with other transforms are important to consider. Since transformscale1 implies uniform scaling, it avoids shearing that can occur when non-uniform scales are rotated. However, when an object has a parent with significant scaling, transformscale1 is compounded, which can lead to large or tiny results if not managed carefully.

Common uses include animation of growth or shrinkage, quick prototyping of scene layouts, and ensuring consistent asset sizes across a project. It can be animated via keyframes, scripting, or animation curves to produce smooth transitions in size over time.

Limitations include that transformscale1 only affects rendered size, not the mesh topology or collider dimensions unless those systems explicitly inherit scale. Extremely large or small values may cause rendering or precision issues in some engines.

See also: scale, uniform scaling, local versus world coordinates, transformation matrix.