Sweeping elements is the process of creating higher order elements by sweeping a lower order element through a prescribed path. Therefore, a hex element may be created by sweeping a quad element through space, the edges of the hex being defined by the corners of the quad as its nodes move along the path. Ten methods for defining the swept paths are provided: Arc, Extrude, Glide, Glide-Guide, Normal, Radial Cylindrical, Radial Spherical, Spherical Theta, Vector Field and Loft.