Definition
A section drawing shows what a building or object would look like if it were sliced through and you could see inside. By cutting through the structure along an imaginary line, it reveals internal features such as floor heights, wall thicknesses, and how spaces stack vertically.
Unlike a plan or elevation, a section exposes the hidden relationships inside a building. It is a key drawing for understanding how a structure is put together and how its levels relate to each other.
In simple terms, a section drawing is a cut-through view that lets you see the inside of a building from the side.
How It Works
To create a section, an imaginary cutting plane is passed through the building, and everything along that plane is drawn as if the front half were removed. The result shows the profile of walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs, along with vertical dimensions and construction details.
Sections are drawn to scale and often labelled to show exactly where the cut is taken on the plan. When produced from reality capture, a point cloud can be sliced at the chosen line to generate an accurate section of an existing building.
Applications
Section drawings are used in architecture, engineering, construction, and renovation. They communicate internal layouts and heights, guide construction detailing, support approvals, and document existing buildings. For refurbishment, scan-based sections capture the true internal structure of a building.
Benefits
- Reveals internal structure and vertical relationships.
- Clarifies heights, levels, and construction details.
- Essential for design and construction detailing.
- Useful for documenting existing buildings.
- Highly accurate when produced from scan data.
Related Terms
- Floor Plan
- Elevation Drawing
- As-Built Drawings
- Scan to Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a section drawing used for?
It is used to show and communicate the internal structure, heights, and construction details of a building.
What is the difference between a section and an elevation?
An elevation shows an external face of a building, while a section shows a cut-through view revealing the interior.
How is a section drawing created?
An imaginary plane is cut through the building, and the exposed profile is drawn to scale, showing internal features.
Can sections be made from laser scans?
Yes, a point cloud can be sliced at a chosen line to produce an accurate section of an existing structure.
About Track3D
Track3D helps teams turn laser scans into accurate sections, plans, and digital twins. Learn more at Track3D.
