A plan view drawing is fundamentally a drawing on a horizontal plane showing a view from above. It presents a bird's-eye perspective of an object, structure, or area, looking straight down onto it.
Understanding Plan View Drawings
In architectural, engineering, and other design fields, plan views are essential for understanding the layout and dimensions of a space or object. They show arrangements as if you were hovering directly above and looking down.
- Perspective: A view from above.
- Plane: Drawn on a horizontal plane.
- Purpose: To show spatial relationships, layout, and horizontal dimensions.
Unlike other types of technical drawings, the plan view specifically focuses on the horizontal arrangement.
How Plan Views Differ from Other Drawings
The reference highlights the distinction between different types of technical drawings based on the plane they represent and the view they offer:
| Drawing Type | Plane | View | Depiction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan | Horizontal | From Above | Horizontal layout |
| Elevation | Vertical | Vertical | Exterior/Interior face |
| Section | Vertical | Cuts through space | Internal composition |
As the reference states, "An Elevation drawing is drawn on a vertical plane showing a vertical depiction. A section drawing is also a vertical depiction, but one that cuts through space to show what lies within." This contrasts directly with the plan drawing's horizontal nature and overhead view.
Common Applications
Plan view drawings are widely used in various industries, including:
- Architecture: Floor plans showing room layouts, walls, doors, windows, and furniture arrangements.
- Urban Planning: Maps showing streets, buildings, parks, and infrastructure layout.
- Engineering: Site plans, layout drawings for machinery, piping, or electrical systems.
- Interior Design: Furniture placement and traffic flow diagrams.
- Landscape Design: Showing the layout of gardens, paths, pools, and outdoor features.
What Information is Typically Included?
A typical plan view drawing might include:
- Walls, partitions, and structural elements
- Doors and windows (often indicating swing direction)
- Fixed fixtures like plumbing or built-in cabinets
- Major furniture layout
- Dimensions and measurements
- Notes on materials or specifications
- Room names or numbers
- North arrow to indicate orientation
These details provide a comprehensive overview of the horizontal organization of the subject being drawn.
