Orthographic projection is a type of projection or drawing method. Commercial drone companies like Fulcrum Air use it to create an image where the accompanying plane, such as a piece of paper or monitor screen, is parallel with the projected objects.
Let’s explore the different types of orthographic projection.
- One-Point Perspective
The one-point perspective shows only one vanishing point on the horizon line. It uses mostly horizontal and vertical lines to give it a realistic look and feel because this type of projection best represents reality in images with all straight edges and 90-degree angles. One-point perspective is typically used for work viewed at eye level or below, which doesn’t need much depth. This type would be beneficial to commercial drone companies such as architects and designers because they use a one-point perspective in their drawings of buildings.
- Two-Point Perspective
The two-point perspective has two vanishing points on the horizon line, with both on either side of the observer. This type of projection is best used for scenes above or below eye level, producing more dramatic results than one point perspective. If the viewer is looking up and down on an object which uses this method, it can look distorted because it’s not meant to be viewed from a specific angle. An example would be if someone were standing over a square table and drawing it from above at an angle – a two-point perspective would be most beneficial for this situation.
- Three-Point Perspective
The three-point perspective consists of three vanishing situated along the horizon line, with one on either side of the observer just like the two-point perspective. This type is ideal for scenes above or below eye level but is set at an angle, such as looking at the front face of a cube standing up from its corner instead of straight on.
- Axonometric Projection
This type shows true measurements of the object being drawn. It’s best used by commercial drone companies to show how something would look if it were cut in half at any given axis, which may be represented by a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line depending on what would make it easiest to read. This type uses three axes known as X, Y, and Z lines with fixed angles to give accurate measures while keeping all dimensions realistic based on how they’ll be shown in the final product.
- Dimetric Projection
Dimetric projection only has two axes known as X and Y, with fixed angles, unlike axonometric projection. This type is great for images where the object looks relatively similar from any angle, such as a wagon wheel or a table leg. It’s most beneficial because it doesn’t distort the image like one point perspective does when an object is viewed from an angle (such as looking at the front face of a cube standing up instead of straight on.)
- Parallel Projection
Parallel projections are the most common type of orthographic projection because they depict all six sides of an object in one view. The first step for drawing a parallel projection is to write down what you see. It should be noted that this projection does not show depth; it only shows what the front side looks like. Once this information has been written down, draw two perpendicular lines (at right angles) to each other. When working with large projectors, these two lines will act as guides for placing images on the screen. You can use a ruler to create guidelines for drawing blocks of colour on the paper with smaller objects.
- Oblique Projection
This type of orthographic projection is also called an oblique view or isometric view. An oblique direction is anywhere that isn’t perpendicular (90 degrees) from another line. This means that all sides of an object are represented in one drawing at 30/60/90 degree angles to each other. The lines do not have to be exactly 30/60/90 degrees; they represent their relationship.
Summary
In conclusion, different types of orthographic projections are used for different purposes, such as one-point perspective for drawings that will be viewed at eye level or below and axonometric projection for drawings that would benefit from the most accurate measurements. The main purpose of using an orthographic projection is to accurately represent reality with straight edges and 90-degree angles.