Isometric drawings are two-dimensional (2-D) drawings drawn on a 2-D plane. They are used to visualize the shape of a three-dimensional (3-D) object. Isometric drawings are 2-D representations of the 3-D solid objects and do not have the properties of a solid model. You cannot rotate or revolve them in 3-D space, or view them from any direction other than the one in which they were created. In an isometric drawing, the edges of an object are represented by drawing lines at 30, 90, and 150 degree angles. Since the edges are drawn in three directions, the object appears as a 3-D object.

This ReferencePoint explains the concept of isometric planes and axes in AutoCAD 2002. It examines the methods and techniques to create isometric drawings and describes the methods to create isometric dimension and write isometric text.

Isometric Axes and Planes

Before working with isometric drawings, it is important to understand the concept of isometric axes and isometric planes.

Isometric Axes

Isometric drawings consist of two horizontal axes inclined at angles of 30 and 150 degrees, respectively. They also have one vertical axis inclined at an angle of 90 degrees from the positive X-axis. The horizontal axis, which is placed at an angle of 30 degrees to the positive X-axis, is called the right horizontal axis. The horizontal axis, placed at an angle of 150 degrees to the positive X-axis, is known as the left horizontal axis. Figure 4-10-1 shows the three isometric axes:

Figure 4-10-1: Isometric...