Hidden elements, exploded views, sequences of construction, and functional processes are easily portrayed in a drawing. The drawing process typically begins with measuring each building by hand to produce field records . Recording tools also include photogrammetry, a means of extracting measurements from photographs. Large buildings with complex repetitive details are ideally suited for this process. Each set of drawings generally includes plans , elevations , sections , details and a cover sheet with a site plan and written information.
Plans are an essential element of measured drawings.
Plan drawings are horizontal cuts through a structure that portray the arrangement and progression of spaces. Elevations show facades, room elevations, and other vertical elements of a structure projected into a vertical plane. The elevation drawing is typically the most familiar and recognizable to laymen. The illusion of depth is provided by varying line weights, not by diminishing size as in a perspective drawing. Typically buildings have four facades and, if possible, all four should be drawn.