plan for layout, section for depth and height, elevation for external alignment.
What information is available in: Plan, Section and Elevation? | Q & A
Engineers Heaven
Jan 30
Understanding these three views is essential for site execution and coordination.
1. Plan (Top View) What Is a Plan?
A plan is a horizontal cut through the structure, viewed from the top.
Information Available in Plan:
Overall layout of the building
Grid lines and spacing
Column positions and sizes
Beam layout (center lines)
Slab panels
Wall locations
Room dimensions
Openings (stairs, lift, ducts)
Reinforcement layout (in structural plans)
Site Use:
Setting out work
Column marking
Beam & slab reinforcement placement
2. Section (Vertical Cut) What Is a Section?
A section is a vertical cut through the building to show internal details not visible in plan.
Information Available in Section:
Floor-to-floor heights
Slab thickness
Beam depth
Foundation depth
Column height
Reinforcement anchorage details
Levels (plinth, lintel, slab)
Staircase details
Site Use:
Checking heights and depths
Understanding reinforcement behavior
Execution clarity
3. Elevation (Side / Front View) What Is an Elevation?
An elevation is a vertical view from outside, showing the external appearance of the building.
Information Available in Elevation:
Building height
Number of floors
External wall profile
Window and door positions
Architectural features (balconies, chajjas)
External levels
Site Use:
External finishing
Alignment of openings
Overall building appearance
4. Quick Comparison Table (Interview-Friendly)
Aspect Plan Section Elevation
| View type | Top view | Vertical cut | Outside vertical view |
| Shows | Layout | Internal details | External look |
| Key info | Dimensions, grids | Heights, depths | Height & facade |
| Site role | Setting out | Execution clarity | Finishing & alignment |
5. One-Line Interview Answer (Perfect)
Plan shows the horizontal layout, section shows vertical internal details like heights and depths, and elevation shows the external appearance and overall height of the structure.
Common Follow-Up Interview Question
Q: Which drawing is most important on site?
A: All three—plan for layout, section for depth and height, elevation for external alignment.
The Forum post is edited by Engineers Heaven Jan 30
