A given set of forked branches is 3D scanned and the digitized data simplified into approximated axis models. Each branch can be represented by 4 points and 3 lines. The node-element represented in modules with three line segments is used as a ‘Y’ – typology.

Eventually the axis models serve as reference geometry to eventually reposition the original scan models into the assembled configuration and thus allow for designing specific joints and modification of the physical parts further along in the process of our research.

There are different possible approximations/translations of branch nodes into Y-models:

a) Nodes with variable branch lengths. Each branch is approximated as one axis line.

b) Nodes with branches in varying length. End segments are approximated as an axis lines, interpolated within branch node.

c) An inscribed circle around the center point trims branches to same lengths. Branches are represented as approximated axis lines. 

The axes in version c) are nearly planar, whereas version a) and b) mostly result in 3 dimensional models.

All of these approximations result in similar simplified digital typology and are conceptually interchangeable in the digital assembly model. But the difference in their relationship to the respective physical origin offers different options of a physical translation of the digital assembly in the subsequent steps.