In engineering drawing, horizontal and vertical planes are fundamental reference surfaces used to define the position and orientation of objects and to create standard views, such as those used in orthographic projection.
Understanding the Planes
These planes help draughtsmen and engineers visualize three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface (like paper or a screen).
Horizontal Plane
Based on the provided reference, a horizontal plane can be defined as:
Any plane or surface which is parallel to the surface of the earth, or in other words we can also say that the plane which is at an angle of zero degree is known as the horizontal plane.
Think of the ground you stand on, the surface of a calm body of water, or the top of a perfectly level table; these are everyday examples of horizontal planes.
In engineering drawing, the horizontal plane (often abbreviated as HP) is one of the primary planes of projection. It's typically considered the "bottom" or "reference" plane upon which objects rest or whose plan view is projected.
- Key Characteristics:
- Parallel to the earth's surface.
- Angle of zero degrees relative to the horizontal.
- Used to generate the top view or plan of an object in orthographic projection.
Vertical Plane
According to the reference, a vertical plane is defined as:
Any plane which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane is known as the vertical plane.
Imagine a wall in a room or a standing blackboard. These are common examples of vertical planes. They stand upright, at a 90-degree angle to the horizontal surface.
In engineering drawing, the vertical plane (often abbreviated as VP) is another primary plane of projection. It's typically considered the "front" plane, and views projected onto it show the front elevation of an object.
- Key Characteristics:
- Perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the horizontal plane.
- Stands upright.
- Used to generate the front view or elevation of an object in orthographic projection.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Planes in Summary
Here's a quick comparison of the two planes:
| Feature | Horizontal Plane (HP) | Vertical Plane (VP) |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Parallel to Earth's surface | Perpendicular to the Horizontal Plane |
| Angle | 0 degrees (relative to horizontal) | 90 degrees (relative to horizontal) |
| Common View | Top View (Plan) | Front View (Elevation) |
| Analogy | Ground, Tabletop, Water Surface | Wall, Door, Standing Board |
| Relationship | The reference for the Vertical Plane | Perpendicular to the Horizontal Plane |
These planes, along with other auxiliary planes, are essential for accurately representing 3D objects in 2D drawings, providing clear and unambiguous information for manufacturing and construction.
