TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

What type of view shows a site or building as seen directly from above?

1. Plan views

2. Sectional views

3. Elevation views

4. Detailed views

The correct answer is: Plan views

A plan view is the type of drawing that depicts a site or building from a bird's-eye perspective, showing the layout as it would appear from directly above. This view provides a comprehensive representation of the spatial arrangement, including walls, doors, windows, and other features, allowing for an effective understanding of how different components relate to one another on a horizontal plane. Plan views are commonly used in architectural drawings and site plans to communicate design intent clearly to builders, engineers, and other stakeholders. They are fundamental in planning and surveying, as they help illustrate the overall structure and orientation of multiple elements within the given space. In contrast, sectional views illustrate internal features by cutting through the building at specified locations, elevation views provide a vertical representation showing the exterior facade as seen from the side, and detailed views zoom in on specific components of a larger drawing to show intricate details. Each of these is essential for different aspects of architectural communication, but none serve the purpose of providing an overhead representation like a plan view does.