ONLINE GLOSSARY

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• Scale. The proportional relationship or ratio of the measured size of a facsimile of an object compared to the size of the actual object.
  
  
• Secondary Auxiliary View. A true-size view of a non-principal plane or surface derived from information contained in a primary auxiliary view via orthographic projection. In contrast, a primary auxiliary view is derived from information contained in the normal plan views. Secondary auxiliary views can be challenging to draw. As a result, employing revolution is often an easier alternative.
  
  
• Section. A view created by passing a cutting plane through an object to "expose" the true shape of both the visible and hidden internal structures. The cutting plane is typically parallel to the frontal plane of projection, though section views may also be created at any location necessary to describe the structure of an object.
  
  
• Snap. A feature of a computer drawing program that permits precise placement of lines and objects. When Snap is activated, the end points of a line or points that make up a multi-sided object can "snap to" or be anchored to points on a pre-established grid or to Guides.
  
  
• Spline. A two-dimensional (or three-dimensional) line or curve used to build a 3D surface or object in a 3D modeling program. Not all 3D modeling programs use splines – many programs create mesh objects instead. Mesh modeling is a completely different approach and is more like "digital clay" that can be sculpted into many different shapes. In sharp contrast, a spline-based 3D modeling program creates precise surfaces from curves that are based on mathematical formulas. Because curves are the starting point for creating each 3D object, spline modeling is a natural extension of the 2D drafting process. In addition, some spline modeling programs offer incredibly powerful features such as being able to unfold or unroll certain 3D objects to create developments and/or make 2D line drawings automatically. See also Bézier Curve.
  
  
• Symmetrical. The property whereby features or points on either side of an object are a mirror image of each other. A symmetrical object has a "dividing line" or centerline called the axis of symmetry. Points and features on either side of this axis are equidistant from the centerline.

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0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Click on a letter to browse through the Glossary terms.
To download a printable version of the entire Glossary, click here.

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Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.