When traversed by an action, this node appends a transformation to the current transformation matrix so that a default size cube will surround the objects specified by its fields. Transform manipulators, such as SoHandleBoxManip, use these nodes to make themselves surround other objects.

This node only recalculates after the invalidate() method has been called. Otherwise it uses a saved scale and translation.

When calculating what to surround, the SoSurroundScale looks at the current path in the action and at its own field values. Then SoSurroundScale applies an SoGetBoundingBoxAction to the node that is numNodesUpToContainer nodes above it on the path. SoSurroundScale also tells the action to reset the bounding box upon traversal of the node located numNodesUpToReset nodes above it in the path. The SoSurroundScale then appends a translation and scale to the current transformation so that a default size SoCube will translate and scale to fit this bounding box.

For example, when an SoHandleBoxManip wants to surround the objects it is going to move, the scene graph will look something like this: The SoHandleBoxDragger wants to transform the cubeGeom so that it surrounds the movingStuff. So it sets the surroundScale fields to: The SoBoundingBoxAction will then be applied to RootNode, with a reset after traversing the SoHandleBoxManip. So the SoSurroundScale will surround the objects below separator, and to the right of handleBoxManip, producing the desired effect.