Align Z axis so it is always perpendicular

This may well be a very simple (and simple) question. So I'll apologise in advance. The question in relating to a discussion I had with someone.
Consider the fact that we have 3D orthogonal vector, consider that it may be a time series.
f1 = = [ -0.1408 -0.3257 2.1674]
How would you go about aligning the vector so that it is always perpendicular to Z axis.
Thanks

 Accepted Answer

Set its third component to zero:
f1(3) = 0;
Of course that shortens the vector. If you want to preserve its vector length,
n = norm(f1);
f1(3) = 0;
f1 = f1*(n/norm(f1));

1 Comment

Roger,
Once again you've come to the rescue. I'm frustrated that the answer was to simple. I did consider you response beforehand, but I assumed that wasn't the case. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

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Asked:

Dan
on 6 Sep 2014

Commented:

Dan
on 6 Sep 2014

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