One of the features of CLIM's graphical capabilities is the use of coordinate system transformations. By using transformations, you can often write simpler graphics code because you can choose a coordinate system in which to express the graphics that simplifies the description of the drawing.
A transformation is an object that describes how one coordinate system is related to another. A graphic function performs its drawing in the current coordinate system of the stream. A new coordinate system is defined by describing its relationship to the old one (the transformation). The drawing can now take place in the new coordinate system. The basic concept of graphic transformations is illustrated in Figure 16..
will draw a picture somewhat like Figure 16. on
Common Lisp Interface Manager 2.0 User's Guide - 20 Sep 2011