A system for an neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The system comprises a input device configured for generating directional control signals, and memory storing ideal multipole configurations. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for defining the ideal multipole configurations relative to the electrodes in response to the directional control signals, determining a spatial relationship between at least one of the defined ideal multipole configurations and the maximum extent of the electrodes, modifying the defined ideal multipole configurations based on the determined spatial relationship, such that the modified ideal multipole configurations are spatially within the maximum extent of the electrodes, generating stimulation parameter sets respectively corresponding to the modified ideal multipole configurations, each stimulation parameter set defining relative amplitude values for the electrodes that emulate the respective modified ideal multipole configuration, and instructing the neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter sets.
