Preparation of Perspective Diagrams

Abstract

CONTOURED maps, serial sections, or plans and elevations, are capable of providing much detailed information about the form of regular or irregular bodies and surfaces. It is, however, not always possible, from an examination of such diagrams alone, readily to visualize the real shape of the surface and the relationships of the various parts, as the process of mental integration of the series of basic diagrams can often only be carried out after a prolonged study. Moreover, the formation of a complete mental picture, which can be easily used, may not always be possible. To overcome this difficulty, models of the surface may be constructed from the basic diagrams, and in most respects these constitute the ideal solution of the problem, since they can be viewed from many angles with ease. Unfortunately, such models are generally expensive and tedious to make^1,2,3,4, besides being fragile and not easily duplicated, and, when large, not portable. As a consequence, resort is frequently made to diagrams in which it is attempted, with varying degrees of success, to convey an impression of the third dimension. These diagrams have some of the virtues of models, and at the same time they are readily reproduced and stored.