A coordinate system is a mathematical tool that assigns numbers to points in order to determine their position in space. It typically uses pairs or triplets of values to specify points in different dimensions. These numbers are used to locate points on a graph or image plane. The computer uses coordinates to understand the shape of a model and to plot points in 2D and 3D space. The coordinate system is also used to understand rotations and orientations. There are different types of coordinate systems, including the right-handed system and the Cartesian system. The 3D coordinate system is particularly helpful in visualizing points and surfaces with respect to three axes. This concept is useful in various applications, such as plotting points in calculus.