The idea of plan and elevation in technical drawings was introduced in another chapter. It was mentioned that such a drawing is a projection of a three-dimensional object onto a plane. In this chapter, we explore how this projection is realised in practice.
In the diagram, we are looking down on an object that may be the roof of a building. An axis has been constructed in the direction in which the projection is to be made. The projection plane is set perpendicular to the chosen axis. The projection will be an image of the building seen from one side. Such an image is known as an elevation.
We imagine rays perpendicular to the projection plane that connect each significant point with its image. Thus, each point on the object, which is visible from the chosen direction, has its image in the elevation.
We can make elevations from other directions. Seen from another side, the elevation may be as in the following diagram.
Continuing this procedure, we make an elevation representing the view from the other end of the building.
To complete the elevation drawings, an architectural draughtsperson would include details including the relevant measurements and scale and information about the materials to be used in the construction of the building.
Example
This elevation shows construction details for a steel shed. The dimensions are given elsewhere in the plans.