Projection and View: Definition, Types, and Applications

Drawing in a manner that depicts objects in a three dimensional world onto a two dimensional plane is a valuable skill in design. This is made possible by projections and views which enables engineers, architects, designers, artists, and others to visualize, describe, and work more effectively on the ideas. These methods are critical in creating elaborate and clear drawings in reference to the shape, arrangement and functionality of objects and spaces.

This Story also Contains

1. Projection: Types, Definitions and Applications
2. Projection Methods: 1st and Third Angle
3. Views: Types, Definitions and Applications
4. Important Practice Questions from UCEED/NID

Understanding of projections and views facilitates the process of transforming complex three-dimensional ideas into easily actionable and comprehensible two-dimensional models thus bridging the gap between the idea and real life. It also helps to understand the difference between projection and view for the designer to realize that his or her concept can be broadly understood in order to deliver the overall vision more effectively.

Projection: Types, Definitions and Applications

What is a Projection?

Projection means to transfer three-dimensional objects onto two dimensional planes by Orthographic, Isometric and Perspective Projection Techniques. As such, each step captures relative sizes and relative positions, which is important when making technical drawing, building plans, and design drawings.

Different Types of Projections:

1. Orthographic Projection:

It includes an extension of edges of the object’s features onto perpendicular planes.

It shows different views (Front- Side) without Perspective Distortion.

Application: Standardly employed in drafting maps, structural plans and layouts, mechanical designs, architectural designs among other fields to indicate measurements as well as positions of various parts of an item.

Example - Orthographic projection can only be understood better and made more precise when different views of the form of a solid are projects as shown below.

2. Isometric Projection and View:

Isometric projection is mapping three dimensional objects onto two dimensional plane.

The angles between the projection axes consist of 30 degrees, and all the projection axes are proportionally scaled, and thus do not distort proportions.

Application: Often applied in a technical drawing, CAD model, and other games design to provide a perception of the object and form a proper concept of the geometry of the object and its location.

Example - Here, a solid is made in isometric projection and the figure shows that the sides as well as the angles of the solid are not distorted and have been made proportional to each other; thus the size of every side is clear and easy to understand.

You may also check: Fundamentals of Geometry for 3D Shapes

Fundamental Geometry Concepts for 2D Shapes

Surface Counting - Basic Level Techniques

Surface Counting: Advanced Level Techniques and Strategies

Projection Methods: 1st and Third Angle

In technical drawing, the following projection techniques can be used in the conventional way in regard to the standard representation of three-dimensional objects on two-dimensional planes.

1. First Angle Projection

2. Third Angle Projection

Appreciating and applying these projection methods to technical drawing guarantees that it is clear, standard and worldwide understandable making accurate manufacturing and construction possible.

1. First Angle Projection

In the first angle projection it is placed in the first quadrant. The planes of projection are conceived between the watcher and the observed.

Representation:

The front view is placed in the middle as is the case of figure 2 below.

The next view, top view, is located at a lower position than the front view.

The right side view is aligned on an area that is set just below and to the left side of the frontal view.

Application

• European and Asian countries are the ones who have adopted the use of such products most often.

• It is ideal for mechanical and architectural drawings where regional practices standardize the projection method.

2. Third Angle Projection

Then the object is positioned in the third quadrant of the third angle projection. With respect to these planes of projection, the discerned planes of projection are thought to be behind the object.

Representation

• The view of the front is then pasted at the middle of the object.

• Just as stated earlier, the front view is positioned above the top view.

• Right side view is positioned below and on right side of front view.

Application

• Standard method of presentation used commonly in United States of America and Canada.

• Favored in manufacturing and engineering disciplines as this type of format is easy to follow.

Views: Types, Definitions and Applications

It is essential to comprehend the plan, elevation, section, and exploded views for DAT tests. Students can better visualize and use spatial reasoning through these perspectives by seeing objects from various perspectives. Analyzing shapes, structures, and relationships requires this ability. It facilitates creative problem-solving and successful communication of design ideas. Gaining confidence in these viewpoints is essential for DAT exam success.

1. Plan

2. Elevation

3. Section View

4. Exploded View

1. Plan (Top View)

1a. Introduction

A plan view is a top-down projection that displays the organization and layout of an object or space. Picture yourself glancing down at a house's floor plan, which shows where the walls and rooms are located.

1b. Application

Used in architectural plans, landscape designs, and floor layouts to show the arrangement of spaces and elements from above.

Important Note:

Although "Plan" and "Bird's eye view" are sometimes used synonymously, there is little distinction.

• Not all bird's eye views are plans, even though all plans are bird's eye views. A plan is an overhead view with precise technical information and a defined function.

2. Elevation( Side View)

An elevation is a technical drawing that shows a structure or object from a vertical perspective. You are staring straight at one side, revealing its height, shape, and details. For example, a building's front elevation shows how its windows, doors, and other architectural details appear from the outside.

Elevations are essential for design visualization since they help to comprehend an object's general shape and dimensions. Stakeholders must understand the design intent.

Application: Common in architectural elevations, building facades, and interior design to show height, structure, and vertical relationships.

3. Section View

3a. Introduction

Section View is a popular visualization technique that helps understand the internal makeup of an object through its cut section. The visual depiction of a theoretical section through a form it offers insights into its composition and organisation.

For example, To know a gear's cross-section, the section view makes it easier to see the tooth profiles and material distribution, which are essential for design analysis and understanding of the Functionality of an object.

3b. Objective

• Shows internal features by cutting through the object.

• It can be partial or total, depending on the extent of the cut.

• Typically, it includes hatching or shading to indicate the cut surfaces.

3c. Applications

• Architecture: Used to show internal layouts and structural elements like walls, floors, and staircases.

• Engineering: Highlights internal components of machinery, such as gears and shafts, aiding in the understanding of assembly and function.

• Product Design: Reveals the interior details of a product, which is crucial for manufacturing and assembly processes.

4. Exploded View

4a. Introduction

An "exploded view" is a technical drawing that displays an object's components in a deconstructed form, demonstrating how a complex object is assembled. As it develops spatial reasoning and an understanding of object building, it is essential for those aspiring to design. Candidates can examine existing designs, conceptualize new products, and properly explain design intent by visualizing the interaction between different pieces. This ability is crucial for creativity and problem-solving in design.

4b. Characteristics

• Illustrates how parts fit together and are assembled.

• Provides a clear understanding of the order and relationship between components.

• Often used in manuals and instructional guides.

4c. Applications

• Assembly Instructions: Common in DIY furniture assembly guides to show how pieces fit together.

• Engineering: Used to document the assembly process of complex machinery.

• Product Design: Assists in visualizing product design and construction, helping troubleshoot and maintain.

Important Practice Questions from UCEED/NID

Q1 :

# Hint - Here, you must imagine an elevation (side) view of the solid.

Q2:

*Approach - It is a block counting question but orthographic views are given so you need to imagine this in 3-dimensional.

Q3:

*Approach - Visualizing its cross-section by cutting it in planes.