An elevation is an orthographic drawing that shows the exterior face of a building. It is flat, precise, and measured — no perspective, no vanishing point. Elevations are used to study proportions, materials, and the arrangement of windows and doors.

Architects draw elevations for every side of a building, often labeling them north, south, east, and west. Interior elevations show the walls of a room, useful for millwork and finishes. A section elevation cuts through the building and shows both the interior and the exterior in one view.

Elevations are not photographs. They are abstractions. They simplify shadows and flatten depth. That is their power: they let you judge the composition of a facade without distraction. But they can also mislead. A facade that looks good in elevation may feel different in three dimensions.

Good architects use elevations alongside plans, sections, and models. Each drawing type reveals something the others hide.