EDR-1

Lecture 6: Introduction to projection, Orthographic

projection, Isometric projection, Oblique
projection
Introduction to projection
• The art of representing a three-dimensional object or scene in a 2D
space is called projection.
• Projection is carried out by passing projectors through each vertex and
intersecting the projectors with the two-dimensional View plane.
• Projectors emanate from a center of projection, pass through every
point in the object and intersect a projection surface to form the 2D
projection.
• In graphics we only deal with planar projections – where the
projection surface is a plane
Taxonomy of projections
Parallel Projection
• This type of projection is helpful for the engineers and architects who
create the working drawings of any object. They require a complete
representation of these objects with two or more views on different
planes. That’s where parallel projection comes into play.

• Parallel projection helps a person display the intended picture in its

true size and shape. The created projection is known as orthographic
when it is perpendicular to the available view plane. The extending
parallel lines emerging from all the vertices of an object form a
parallel projection by intersecting on the plane of the available screen.
This point of intersection is known as the vertex.
Perspective Projection
• This type of projection is useful for people who draw three-dimensional scenes, such as artists. Such
people don’t require the true size and shape of an object- they only require the visual representation of
that object on a three-dimensional plane.

• The lines of projection from an object do not remain parallel in a perspective projection. They
converge finally on a single point (also called the center of projection). We obtain the projection of an
image on a screen by the intersection points of the lines converging with the screen’s plane. The
image that we obtain on the screen appears as if the viewer’s eyes are present at the very center of the
projected object. The lines of this projection correspond to the path traveled by the beams of light
originating from the object.

• Perspective foreshortening and vanishing points are the two primary characteristics of perspective.
The overall length and the objects present in a 3D world appear smaller due to perspective
foreshortening. The more distance we create from the center of projection- the smaller the objects will
appear on the plane.
Difference Between Parallel and Perspective Projection in Computer Graphics
Parameters Parallel Projection Perspective Projection

Representation of Objects It represents any given object in a different way- as we It represents any given object in a three-dimensional manner.
view it on a telescope.

Shape and Size of Objects It does not alter the shape or the size of the given In this perspective, the objects that stay far away appear to be
object on a plane. smaller in size, while the ones near to the viewer’s eyes appear
bigger in size.

Distance from Center of The distance of the given object is infinite from the The distance of the given object is finite from the center of the
Projection center of the projection. projection.
Accuracy of View It can provide a user with an accurate view of the It cannot provide a user with an accurate view of the given object.
given object. The shapes and sizes of the projection tend to differ from its
origination.

Lines of Projection The parallel projection lines are parallel to each other. The perspective projection lines are not parallel to each other.

Projector The projector is also parallel. The projector is not at all parallel.
Types of Projection There are basically two types of parallel projections: There are basically three types of perspective projections:
•Oblique •One Point
•Orthographic •Two Point
•Three Point

Realistic View Parallel Projection does not form a realistic view of Perspective Projection generates a very realistic view of the world
the world and its objects. and the objects present in it.
Orthographic projection
• Orthographic projection, common method of representing three-
dimensional objects, usually by three two-dimensional drawings in
each of which the object is viewed along parallel lines that are
perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

• For example, an orthographic projection of a house typically consists

of a top view, or plan, and a front view and one side view (front and
side elevations).
Orthographic Projection
• Orthographic projection is a method of projection in which an object is
depicted using parallel lines to project its outline on a plane. For example, an
orthographic projection of a house typically consists of a top view or plan and
a front view, and one side view (front and side elevations).
• Orthographic projection can also be described as a two-dimensional graphic
representation of an object in which the projecting lines are at right angles to
the plane of the projection.
• Orthographic projection can also be referred to as orthogonal projection.
• It is a form of parallel projection
• In orthographic projection, the projector lines intersect the plane being
projected on to at a perpendicular angle (thus, they are orthogonal).
Orthographic Projection (cont.)
• Typically, an orthographic projection drawing consists of three different views: a front
view, a top view and a side view. Other names for these views are plan, elevation and
section. Occasionally, more views are used for clarity. The side view is usually the
right side, but if the left side is used, it is noted in the drawing.
• Orthographic projection can be subdivided into three categories: isometric, diametric
and trimetric projection.
• An orthographic drawing is a clear, detailed way to represent the image of an object.
It may be used by engineers, designers, architects and technical artists to help a
manufacturer understand the specifics of a product that needs to be created.
• A lens providing an orthographic projection is referred to as an object-space
telecentric lens.
• When principal planes or axes of an object are not parallel within the projection plane,
but are rather tilted to reveal multiple sides of the object, the projection is referred to
as axonometric projection.
Oblique Projection
• Oblique projection is a simple type of technical drawing of graphical
projection used for producing two-dimensional images of three-
dimensional objects in which the projection lines are not orthogonal to
the projection line.

• In both oblique projection and orthographic projection, parallel lines

of the source object produce parallel lines in the projected image. The
projectors in oblique projection intersect the projection plane at an
oblique angle to produce the projected image, as opposed to the
perpendicular angle used in orthographic projection.
Oblique Projection
• Oblique projection is a simple type of technical drawing of graphical
projection used for producing two-dimensional images of three-
dimensional objects.
• Oblique projection can also be described as a parallel projection in
which the projection lines are not orthogonal to the projection line.
• Oblique projection is a form of parallel projection.
• Usually, the presence of one or more 90o angles within a pictorial
image is a good indication that the perspective is oblique.
• In oblique projection, the projector lines form oblique angles (non-
right angles) with the projection plane.
Oblique Projection (cont.)
• There are two types of oblique projections: Cavalier and Cabinet. The Cavelier
projection makes a 45o angle with the projection plane whereas In Cabinet
projection, the projection of a line perpendicular to the view plane has the same
length as the line itself.
• Usually when drawing, all three axes of the oblique drawing are constructed in
which one axis is horizontal and the other is vertical while the third axis is from
30o to 60o to the horizontal line. At least two views of orthographic projection
are selected.
• Oblique projection is commonly used in technical drawing.
• Oblique drawings are also used in engineering and design. The object is drawn
with the most distinguishing features facing towards the observer, showing the
true shape of these features.
Isometric Projection
• Isometric drawing, also commonly called isometric projection. Isometric projection is a
method of graphic representation of three-dimensional objects through drawing.
Isometric Drawing is used by engineers, technical painters, and architects.
• In isometric projection, the plan shows the three visible sides of the object from the
same angle to each other.
• Thus the isometric projection shows the sides of the object at an angle of 120 to each
other. Thus these lines of the object are called isometric axes.
• Lines that are not parallel to the isometric plan are called non-isometric lines.
• In isometric projection, two isometric axes are held at an angle of 30 with the horizontal
plane. While the third axis forms an angle of 90 with the horizontal plane.
• Graphic representations of three-dimensional objects used by engineers, technical
illustrators, and architects are made using the Isometric projection in engineering
drawing method.
Difference between isometric and
orthographic projection
Orthographic Projection Isometric Projection

Provides a 2D view of the object. Provides a 3D view of the object.

Each view of orthographic projection shows only one Isometric projection displays at least three sides of the
side of the object. object.

In orthographic projection, the projection plane is In isometric projection, the projection plane is not
parallel to one of the principal planes. parallel to any of the principal planes.

It does not preserve depth. It does include depth.

The projected object is foreshortened equally in all

The true shape and size of an object are preserved.
three directions.
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Exercise-4
Exercise-5
Exercise-6
Exercise-7
Exercise-8
Exercise-9
Exercise-10