Elevations are 2D drawings that show a 3D object from a fixed direction. Together with the plan view, they give a complete description of a solid shape.
Three standard views:
- Plan view — looking straight down from above
- Front elevation — looking from directly in front
- Side elevation — looking from directly to the side (left or right, as specified)
Each view shows only the outline and any visible edges of the shape from that direction. Hidden edges are sometimes shown as dashed lines.
Reading elevations: use all three views together to reconstruct the 3D shape — no single view on its own tells the whole story.
Drawing elevations: work methodically — identify the height, width, and depth visible from each direction before drawing. Maintain consistent scale across all three views.
Common error: drawing the depth of a shape in a view where only width and height are visible — each view is flat and shows only two dimensions.