PROJECTIONS
Representing an n-dimensional object into an n-1 dimension is known as projection. It is process of converting
a 3D object into 2D object, we represent a 3D object on a 2D plane {(x,y,z)->(x,y)}. It is also defined as
mapping or transforming of the object in projection plane or view plane. When geometric objects are formed
by the intersection of lines with a plane, the plane is called the projection plane and the lines are called
projections.
Types of Projections:
1. Parallel projections
2. Perspective projections
Parallel Projection:
A parallel projection is formed by extending parallel lines from each vertex of object until they intersect
plane of screen. Parallel projection transforms object to the view plane along parallel lines. A projection is
said to be parallel, if centre of projection is at an infinite distance from the projected plane. A parallel
projection preserves relative proportion of objects, accurate views of the various sides of an object are
obtained with a parallel projection.
Orthographic Projection: It is a kind of parallel projection where the projecting lines emerge parallelly from
the object surface and incident perpendicularly at the projecting plane. When projectors are perpendicular to
view plane then is called orthographic projection.
Orthographic Projection is of two categories:
a.1. Multiview Projection: It is further divided into three categories –
(1) Top-View: In this projection, the rays that emerge from the top of the polygon surface are observed.
2) Side-View: It is another type of projection orthographic projection where the side view of the polygon
surface is observed.
3) Front-view: In this orthographic projection front face view of the object is observed.
a.2 Axonometric: Axonometric projection is an orthographic projection, where the projection lines are
perpendicular to the plane of projection, and the object is rotated around one or more of its axes to show
multiple sides.
It is further divided into three categories:
(1) Isometric Projection: It is a method for visually representing three-dimensional objects in two-
dimensional display in technical and engineering drawings. Here in this projection, the three coordinate axes
appear equally foreshortened and the angle between any two of them is 120 degrees.
(2) Dimetric Projection: It is a kind of orthographic projection where the visualized object appears to have
only two adjacent sides and angles are equal.
(3) Trimetric Projection: It is a kind of orthographic projection where the visualized object appears to have
all the adjacent sides and angles unequal.
(b) Oblique Projection: It is a kind of parallel projection where projecting rays emerges parallelly from the
surface of the polygon and incident at an angle other than 90 degrees on the plane.
It is of two kinds:
(b).1. Cavalier Projection: It is a kind of oblique projection where the projecting lines emerge parallelly from
the object surface and incident at 45‘ rather than 90′ at the projecting plane. In this projection, the length of
the reading axis is larger than the cabinet projection.
(b). 2. Cabinet Projection: It is similar to that cavalier projection but here the length of reading axes just half
than the cavalier projection and the incident angle at the projecting plane is 63.4′ rather 45′.
Perspective Projections:
Perspective Projection
In perspective projection farther away object from the viewer, small it appears. This property of projection
gives an idea about depth. The artist use perspective projection from drawing three-dimensional scenes.
Two main characteristics of perspective are vanishing points and perspective foreshortening. Due to
foreshortening object and lengths appear smaller from the center of projection. More we increase the distance
from the center of projection, smaller will be the object appear.
Vanishing Point
It is the point where all lines will appear to meet. There can be one point, two point, and three point
perspectives.
One Point: There is only one vanishing point as.
Two Points: There are two vanishing points. One is the x-direction and other in the y -direction.
Three Points: There are three vanishing points. One is x second in y and third in two directions.
In Perspective projection lines of projection do not remain parallel. The lines converge at a single point called
a center of projection. The projected image on the screen is obtained by points of intersection of converging
lines with the plane of the screen. The image on the screen is seen as of viewer's eye were located at the centre
of projection, lines of projection would correspond to path travel by light beam originating from object.
Important terms related to perspective
1. View plane: It is an area of world coordinate system which is projected into viewing plane.
2. Center of Projection: It is the location of the eye on which projected light rays converge.
3. Projectors: It is also called a projection vector. These are rays start from the object scene and are used
to create an image of the object on viewing or view plane.
Different types of perspective projections:
One point perspective projections: In this, principal axis has a finite vanishing point. Perspective
projection is simple to draw.
Two-point perspective projections: Exactly 2 principals have vanishing points. Perspective
projection gives better impression of depth.
Three-point perspective projections: All the three principal axes have finite vanishing point.
Perspective projection is most difficult to draw.