7.1. Introduction
A major problem in technical drawing and design is the
creation of projections for finding the true views of lines and
planes. The following is a brief review of the principles of
descriptive geometry involved in the solution of such
problems. The designers working along with an engineering
team can solve problems graphically with geometric elements.
Structures that occupy space have three-dimensional forms
made up of a combination of geometric elements.
The geometric solutions of three-dimensional forms require an
understanding of the space relations that points, lines, and
planes share in forming any given shape. Problems which
many times require mathematical solutions can often be
solved graphically with accuracy that will allow manufacturing
and construction. Thus, basic descriptive geometry is one of
the designer’s methods of thinking through and solving
problems.
All geometric shapes are composed of points and their
connectors, lines. In descriptive geometry points are the most
important geometric element and the primary building block
for any graphical projection of a form. All projections of lines,
planes, or solids can be physically located and manipulated
by identifying a series of points that represent the object.