Perspective Representation

A Perspective Representation is a Perspective Product in which a spatial object, scene, view, form or state of affairs is represented through an image, view, model or other representational pattern. Perspective representation is broader than perspective drawing alone and can include graphical, optical, photographic, mathematical, instrument, digital, simulated and immersive systems.

Representation as a Perspective Product

The Product level asks what the perspective process produces. One possible outcome is a Representation: something organised to depict, reproduce, model or stand for aspects of spatial reality.

The representation may preserve ordinary appearance, transform it, abstract it or reconstruct it according to the particular perspective system employed.

Representing Spatial Reality

Perspective representation establishes a relationship between a spatial reality and a representational space. Objects, scenes, viewpoints and spatial relationships are translated into another form through graphical, optical, mathematical, photographic, digital or other means.

The resulting representation need not reproduce every feature of the original. It can select, simplify, transform or reorganise spatial information according to its purpose and method.

Fixed-Angle Representation

A fixed-angle or uni-angular representation presents spatial reality from one principal viewing position or angle.

Ordinary perspective drawings, paintings and photographs commonly belong to this broad arrangement. The represented view may be monocular or binocular, but the principal viewing relationship remains fixed.

Multi-Angular Representation

A multi-angular representation provides information from more than one viewing angle.

Holographic, stereoscopic, multi-view and related systems can make different views available as the viewing relationship changes. Such systems therefore represent more of the spatial object or scene than a single fixed image can provide.

Changing and Unlimited Viewpoints

Some perspective representations allow the observer to move through a much wider or potentially unlimited range of viewpoints.

Interactive three-dimensional computer models, virtual-reality environments and related systems can permit movement around or through a represented spatial reality rather than restricting the observer to one predetermined view.

Representation, Image and View

Perspective Representation overlaps with View and Image, but the terms emphasise different aspects of a Product.

View emphasises an appearance relative to a viewpoint.
Image emphasises the visual result formed, captured, projected or displayed.
Representation emphasises something that depicts, models or stands for spatial reality.

A single photograph may therefore simultaneously function as an Image, a View and a Representation.

Representation and Model

A Perspective Model is also a form of representation, but it emphasises a structured spatial, graphical, mathematical or computational model through which relationships can be explored or analysed.

A representation may therefore be a single image or fixed depiction, whereas a model may contain sufficient underlying structure to generate many different views, images, measurements or calculations.

Examples of Perspective Representation

a linear perspective drawing;
a painting representing spatial depth;
a photograph;
a stereoscopic image pair;
a holographic representation;
a panoramic or spherical representation;
a CAD or CGI representation;
a computer-generated spatial scene;
a virtual-reality environment;
an augmented-reality representation.

Representation Can Transform Appearance

Perspective representation does not require literal visual copying. Different perspective methods may alter scale, apparent form, viewpoint, projection, spatial continuity or other relationships for analytical, descriptive, expressive or practical purposes.

The resulting representation should therefore be understood in relation to the particular Perspective Type, Form, projection system and conditions through which it has been produced.

Representation Within the Analytical System

Within the PRC analytical framework, Representation is treated here as a Perspective Product because it is an outcome produced through a perspective process.

The process producing it can simultaneously be analysed according to Category, Class and Type; the representation can possess particular Forms and Phenomena; and it can perform Functions such as viewing, communicating, modelling, matching, explaining or reconstructing spatial reality.

The Product question is: what has the perspective process produced? In this case, a representation.