So let's assume I have a point $P$ in $3D$ space $(x_0, y_0, z_0)$. And I have a circle $C$ that is centered at $(x_1, y_1, z_1)$ with a radius $r$. I need to find the distance from $P$ to the nearest point of $C$. I'm not totally sure how to define a circle in $3D$ space, so suggestions there would help too 😀
I really have very little idea where to begin with this (and I only have a very basic understanding of how to do the same thing with a point and a line). I haven't taken a math class in a number of years, but this concept will help tremendously in some $3D$ programming I'm working on.
Best Answer
Project the point onto the plane in which the circle lies. Then take the distance to the circle's centre, subtract the radius and take the absolute value to get the distance within the plane. Then you get the total distance from the distance to the plane and the distance within the plane using Pythagoras.