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Views or elevations

The most basic drawings of solids are done according to the following rules.

The front view or front elevation outlines what is seen when standing directly in front of the solid.

The rear view or rear elevation outlines what is seen when standing directly behind the solid.

The side view or side elevation outlines what is seen when looking at the solid from the side.  There may be more than one different side view. The side view is at right angles to the front view.

The plan view outlines what is seen when the solid is observed from above. For a prism, this is the base and cross-section. The bases shown for the Willis Tower are plan views.

Three views of a simple house are shown below.

Front view, side view and plan view of a simple house
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