Isometric Perspective

Isometric Drawing

Elliot Gindis , in Up and Running with AutoCAD 2012: 2D version, 2012

Publisher Summary

This chapter introduces isometric perspective in AutoCAD and how to use it. By strict definition, isometric perspective means representing a three-dimensional object in two dimensions. The reason why one should use isometric perspective instead of 3D is that it is much easier to learn isometric drawing than to develop proficiency in real 3D. There is nothing inherently special about drawing an isometric design. One needs to draw a straight horizontal line and then rotate it 30 degrees counterclockwise. A circle angled away from users is an ellipse, and these shapes find wide application in isometric drawing. Users need ellipses for the base of the monitor in the upcoming computer desk drawing as well as the power button and extensive end-of-chapter exercises. However, isometric drawing is inappropriate when precision 3D drawings are required for design, testing, and manufacture. One should remember that isometric perspective is only for visualization. These are not true 3D objects and have no real depth, only the illusion of depth.

Read full chapter

URL:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123876836000200

Isometric Drawing

Elliot Gindis , in Up and Running with AutoCAD 2012 (Second Edition), 2012

Publisher Summary

This chapter helps to create several isometric designs including a computer desk and mechanical devices. Isometric perspective means representing a three-dimensional object in two dimensions. Isometric drawing is inappropriate when precision 3D drawings are required for design, testing, and manufacture. Various reasons are discussed for using isometric perspective instead of 3D. One is that it is much easier to learn isometric drawing than to develop proficiency in real 3D. Another reason is that 3D takes up more time and computing resources, something that is not always available, and there is also some difficulty in combining 2D and 3D drawings on one sheet.

Read full chapter

URL:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123870292000209

Isometric Drawing

Elliot Gindis , in Up and Running with AutoCAD 2014, 2014

20.6 Summary

You should understand and know how to use the following concepts at the conclusion of this chapter:

Isometric drawing

What is it?

When to use it

When not to use it

Isometric settings

Planes

What are the three planes?

Switching between them (F5)

Ellipses in isometric drawing

Text and dimensions in isometric drawing

Review Questions

Answer the following based on what you learned in Chapter 20:

1.

List some instances when isometric drawing is appropriate.

2.

List some instances where 3D would be better than isometric drawing.

3.

Name the three planes that exist in isometric perspective.

4.

In what dialog box is Isometric snap found?

5.

What F key switches the cursor from plane to plane?

6.

What is almost always on when drawing in isometric?

7.

What is the equivalent of a circle in isometric drawing?

Exercises

1.

Draw the following computer desk. You need your basic isometric drawing knowledge and construction techniques developed in this chapter. Also use the ellipse command and hatch the desk itself. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. (Difficulty level: Easy/Moderate; Time to completion: 20–30 minutes.)

2.

Draw the following mechanical device. You need your basic isometric knowledge and construction techniques developed in this chapter. Also, make extensive use of the ellipse command. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. (Difficulty level: Moderate; Time to completion: 30 minutes.)

3.

Draw the following architectural detail. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. (Difficulty level: Easy; Time to completion: 10–15 minutes.)

4.

Draw the following architectural detail. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. (Difficulty level: Easy; Time to completion: 15–20 minutes.)

Read full chapter

URL:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124104921000209

Isometric Drawing

Elliot J. Gindis , Robert C. Kaebisch , in Up and Running with AutoCAD® 2018, 2018

20.7 Summary

You should understand and know how to use the following concepts at the conclusion of this chapter:

general types of graphical projection

isometric projection

when to use it

when not to use it

setting isometric projection

planes and changing planes (F5)

ellipses in isometric drawing

text and dimensions in isometric drawing

Review Questions

Answer the following based on what you learned in this chapter:

1.

List some instances when isometric drawing is appropriate.

2.

List some instances where 3D would be better than isometric drawing.

3.

Name the three planes that exist in isometric perspective.

4.

In what dialog box is Isometric snap found?

5.

What F-key switches the cursor from plane to plane?

6.

What is almost always on when drawing in isometric?

7.

What is the equivalent of a circle in isometric drawing?

Exercises

1.

Draw the following architectural detail. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. You will need to cycle through all three isoplanes for the main structure, and use ellipses for the fasteners. (Difficulty level: Easy; Time to completion: 10–15   minutes.)

2.

Draw the following architectural detail. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. You will need to cycle through all three isoplanes for the main structure, use ellipses for the fasteners and a spline for the cutaway. (Difficulty level: Easy; Time to completion: 10–15   minutes.)

3.

Draw the following detail of a concrete barrier. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. You will need to cycle through all three isoplanes for the main structure, and use one ellipse. Be aware also that, for certain lines, you will break from the isoplanes and draw freehand. As a final step, add solid hatching as shown. (Difficulty level: Easy; Time to completion: 10–15   minutes.)

4.

Draw the following detail of a nut and bolt. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. There is more emphasis here on freehand drawing (including using arcs) after some basic isoplanes linework is established. There is also more usage of ellipses and partial ellipses, which need to be trimmed as necessary. (Difficulty level: Easy; Time to completion: 10–15   minutes.)

5.

Draw the following valve/piping detail. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. There is more usage of ellipses and partial ellipses, which need to be trimmed as necessary. (Difficulty level: Intermediate; Time to completion: 15–20   minutes.)

6.

Draw the following piping detail. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. This exercise is similar to the previous two in its usage of ellipses and partial ellipses, which need to be trimmed as necessary. (Difficulty level: Intermediate; Time to completion: 15–20   minutes.)

7.

Draw the following computer desk. All sizes are approximate and may be estimated. You will need to cycle through all three isoplanes for the main structure and use ellipses for a few elements. Add text and hatching as shown. (Difficulty level: Moderate; Time to completion: 20–25   minutes.)

8.

Draw the following architectural room detail. This exercise features not only isometric but also a perspective view, where the design converges to a "vanishing point" toward the back. Here, there is little isoplanes work and quite a bit of improvising and freehand drawing, as isometric does not allow for perspective views. These types of layouts are not very common but still can be encountered in design work. They offer a very dynamic and interesting way to present an idea. A certain amount of artistic license is allowed, so do improvise. Note the various nuances in the design, such as slight rotation of the steel reinforcing bars in the side walls. Add in hatch and text as shown for the final step. (Difficulty level: Advanced; Time to completion: 60–90   minutes.)

Read full chapter

URL:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128141106000207