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Elevation Drawing

An elevation drawing is a flat, straight-on view of one side of a building or one wall of a room, showing heights and vertical features. A floor plan looks down from above; an elevation looks at the building from the side.

Exterior elevations are usually labeled by direction, such as north or front elevation, and show rooflines, windows, doors and finish materials. Interior elevations show a single wall, often in kitchens and bathrooms, to place cabinets, counters and fixtures.

Elevations are where ceiling heights, window sill heights and roof pitch are shown, which a floor plan alone does not give.