Orthographic projection

Orthographic projection is a way of drawing a 3D object on a 2D paper using multiple flat views. Think of it like taking photographs of an object from different angles—front, top, and side—then arranging these pictures on one page.

First angle projection, common in Europe, places the top view below the front view. Third angle projection, used in America and increasingly in Nigeria, places the top view above the front view. Imagine a wooden stool: you'd draw its front face, then its side view, and its top view showing the three legs.

In Nigeria, architects use orthographic projection when designing houses. They show the front elevation, side elevation, and plan view so builders understand exactly what to construct.

The difference between first and third angle lies in how you arrange these views around your front view. Both methods convey the same information, just organized differently.