1. An off-line graphical user interface (GUI) system for input control of a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) using the CMM's probe, comprising: a GUI image displayed on a platform, said GUI image existing in at least two dimensions, said GUI image presenting a plurality of control operation icons associated with the CMM, each of said control operation icons being indicative of an operational function of the CMM; a controller adapted to interface with the CMM, said controller using the CMM to locate said GUI image in a coordinate system of the CMM; said controller defining coordinates of said control operation icons; said controller referencing said coordinates to the coordinate system of the CMM; said controller defining a spatial zone associated with each of said control operation icons, each said spatial zone extending from one of said control operation icons associated therewith, each said spatial zone referenced to the coordinate system of the CMM; and said controller defining a function activation zone within each said spatial zone, each said function activation zone defining criteria relating movement of the CMM's probe therein to the operational function of the CMM associated with one of said control operation icons corresponding thereto, wherein satisfaction of said criteria causes the operational function of the CMM to be carried out by the CMM.