We study the fundamentals of orthographic projections in engineering to enable you to visualize and draw shapes and objects in three dimensions. We begin with defining ‘orthographic projections’ and learning which to use and when to use them before comparing projection planes and different orthographic views, including the front, top and side. We unpack the drawing techniques used to illustrate orthographic projects and different object views correctly. Then you begin visualization practice to explore examples for the different orthographic projection areas. By comparing projections, you can grasp the all-important quadrant system and see how it projects points and lines.

Next comes orthographic projection lines and the differences between parallel, inclined, and tracing lines. We unveil five case studies that feature different variations on orthographic projection lines, including several variations of horizontal and vertical planes. These examples demonstrate how to identify the front and top view of objects to understand their orientation. We then contrast auxiliary and principal projection planes while you become familiar with the different types of auxiliary planes, including the auxiliary vertical plane, auxiliary inclined plane and the profile plane. We then investigate how projections work differently on these auxiliary planes. 

Finally, you encounter the important classifications of solids and their meaning as we study the three-dimensional polyhedra of solids: tetrahedron, hexahedron (or cube) and octahedron. The course contrasts each of these and their different projection forms to show you how to draw from different perspectives. We also tackle the ‘solids of revolution’, including the cone, oblate spheroid, prolate spheroid, cylinder and frustum. This leads to horizontal and vertical plane analysis before we end off by drawing examples of multiple solids. This course focuses on specialized technical drawing and graphic design and helps you to visualize and conceptualise different projects to illustrate them correctly. This means you can gain an edge and get ahead of the competition with your new skills.