The main graphical modes of information presentation, used in technical illustrations to show hidden detail, are identified and some historical precedents for them in the work of Leonardo Da Vinci ...are reviewed. Research into one particular aspect of graphic representation used in technical illustrations is reported. This concerns the deployment in hand-drawn images of different line thicknesses and their contribution to enhancing the interpretation of what is depicted. Whilst the use of varying line thicknesses has been formally incorporated into some documentation standards, it is not always observed in relevant domains. The case for and the process of replicating this line thickness code in computer-generated imagery, for use in multimedia technical documentation, are introduced.
An article analysing the use of drawing in technical illustrations. It identifies the main graphical methods of information presentation used in technical illustrations, and examines the extent to ...which the Italian artist Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519) anticipated these in his work. The article concludes that Da Vinci's devices are still valid, and comments that lessons about information presentation can be learned from his drawings. It also reports on research on the use of varying line thicknesses in hand-drawn images, and makes a case for using digital techniques to deploy different line thicknesses in technical illustrations.
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