3D Projection

A 3D projection, or graphical projection, is a design technique for displaying a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional plane, relying on visual perspective and aspect analysis to represent a complex object in a way that can be viewed on a simpler surface. These projections use the basic shape of an object to build a map of points that are then connected to form a visual image, producing a graphic whose conceptual properties let a viewer interpret it as a solid three-dimensional object rather than a flat two-dimensional one, even though it is displayed on a flat medium such as paper or a computer screen. Because three-dimensional objects are typically shown on two-dimensional surfaces, graphical projections are a common design element in engineering drawing, drafting and computer graphics, and they can be produced either through mathematical analysis and formulae or through various geometric and optical techniques.