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Distance Mode
Distance mode is useful for shots with fairly steady camera translation, either for a single shot, or when combining split takes. It looks at the path of the source and viewing cameras, and selects the source frame that matches the Distance spinner (which can be animated based on the viewing frame).
Combining split takes, Distance mode allows you to use a source perspective similar to the viewing perspective, to minimize perspective disparity.
Important : Split takes, where the source and viewing cameras are different, should both use a common coordinate system, so that the camera paths are similar. Otherwise this mode doesn't make sense. Lining them up could be done by setting up a coordinate system the same way in both shots, using trackers that are present in both; or by using links and Automatic/Indirectly solving modes (or maybe From Seed Points/Indirectly).
When working with a single shot, Distance mode is a simple approach to make sure that the source pixels for a removal don't contain the object being removed. (That requirement is addressed directly with the Disjoint modes, however.)
If the distance is zero, this mode selects the source frame where the source camera is "physically" closest to the viewing camera in 3D coordinates. A distance of zero is used only when the source and viewing cameras are different, since otherwise you might as well use the Same frame mode!
If the distance is positive, it selects a source frame where the source camera is at least that far in front of the viewing camera. Here, "in front" means that source frame is later in the shot than the frame where the two are closest. This mode can be used when the source and viewing cameras are the same, or different.
If the distance is negative, it selects a source frame where the source camera is at least that far behind of the viewing camera. Here, "behind" means that source frame is earlier in the shot than the frame where the two are closest.
Distance mode initially finds the closest source frame to the first viewing frame. Subsequently it looks for the closest source frame to the each following viewing frame within a a 30 frame window around the previous source frame. Then it looks for the frame at the earlier or later distance. This strategy prevents it from jumping wildly around within the shot, though there are probably some situations where it may be problematic.
After a shot is run using Distance mode, the utilized frame numbers are written to the Frame control track. You can examine those values to check the operation, and if necessary, edit them then switch to Absolute mode.
Reminder : if you use Distance mode for split takes, the timing of the source shot will not be constant, and may contain speed-ups, slow-downs, jumps, or drops, depending on the camera motions.
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