Object Views: Orthogonal, Cavalier & Isometric

Posted on Apr 15, 2025 in Visual arts

Representing Object Views

If an object is placed in a corner with its edges parallel to the walls, there will be three projection planes available: the vertical plane, the horizontal plane, and the lateral plane.

If you are positioned in front of each of these planes and look straight ahead at the object, the surfaces visible in each plane can be drawn. Each of these representations of the object is called an orthogonal projection or view.

Front View

This is the view of the object from the front, represented in the vertical plane. This is considered the most realistic representation of the object.

Overhead View

This is the view of the object from above, represented on the horizontal plane.

Side View

This is the view of the object from the side, represented on the lateral plane.

The representation process involves these steps:

  1. The three planes can be extended by cutting the horizontal plane and the lateral plane, as shown in diagrams.
  2. Next, the lateral and horizontal planes can be rotated 90 degrees relative to the vertical plane.
  3. In addition to correctly positioning the views of the object, the measurements must also match up properly. In other words:
  • The front view and side view must have the same height.
  • The front view and overhead view must have the same length.
  • The overhead view and side view must have the same width.

Cavalier Perspective Explained

Cavalier perspective is one of the simplest forms of this type of representation. It is based on a system of three coordinate axes with the following characteristics:

  • The X and Z axes form a 90° angle, and the dimensions of the object represented on these axes have their actual value.
  • The dimensions of the object on the Y axis are represented as shorter than they really are. Typically, all edges parallel to the Y axis are reduced by half.

To draw using Cavalier perspective:

  1. Draw the three axes using set squares. For drawing the X and Y axes, the 90-45-45º set square’s 90º and 45º angles are used, respectively.
  2. Mark the measurements of the object on the axes, corresponding to the three edges. With the help of set squares, draw parallel lines until the box that will contain the figure is created.
  3. Mark the measurements for the different parts of the views on the drawing. Next, draw lines parallel to the edges of the box. Remember that these lines should be drawn lightly, since some of them will be erased later.
  4. Finally, draw the visible edges with darker lines and erase the guide lines.

Understanding Isometric Perspective

Isometric perspective is another way to represent objects on three axes that, in this case, form equal 120º angles with one another. The width or depth of the object is represented on the Y axis, the height on the Z axis, and the length on the X axis. The three dimensions of the object are transferred to the axes using their actual measurements.

With this type of representation, you can create drawings that are very clear and easy to interpret. To make a drawing of your views using isometric perspective, the boxing technique is also quite common.