Unity - converting a Quaternion to a Vector3

Question

I've seen quite a lot of questions like this, and the trouble is - the question makes no sense. They are not the same thing, it is a bit like saying "how do I convert an apple into a brick"?

But usually the underlying question does make sense, it is the wording that is suspect.

What I want to do is this:

I have an object in the world space frame of reference with a rotation represented by the Quaternion R.
if that object were to move forwards relative to its local frame of reference, ie straight along its local Z axis, by a nominal amount ...
... what would be the Vector3 whose (normalised) components represent that movement in the world frame of reference?

Now, I think the answer is

    Vector3 ans = R * Vector3.forward;

Is this right, and if so, why? (If not right, then what is the answer?)

That is right - are you asking how unity calculates the result? That seems like more of a math question. — Ruzihm
– Ruzihm, Commented Jul 12, 2020 at 6:13
No, not really. I am just trying to get my head around qualitatively why that calculation produces that result. — nmw01223
– nmw01223, Commented Jul 12, 2020 at 6:39
What are you trying to ask? When you multiply Quaternion with Vector you rotate the Vector on rotation which contains in quaternion. Or you need another information? — OnionFan
– OnionFan, Commented Jul 12, 2020 at 12:37

derHugo · Accepted Answer · 2020-07-12 15:08:39Z

11

Yes that is correct.

Quaternion * Vector3 takes a given vector and rotates it according to the given rotation.

So if your R is basically the object's world-space transform.rotation then the result will be the objects local forward (positive Z) vector as a vector in world space coordinates.

You can also directly use the object's transform.forward vector which basically equals transform.rotation * Vector3.forward

answered Jul 12, 2020 at 15:08

derHugo

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