Oblique Projection
Oblique projection is a type of parallel projection in computer graphics and engineering drawing where projectors are parallel but not perpendicular to the projection plane, creating a 3D-like view with one face shown without distortion. It is commonly used in technical illustrations, architectural drawings, and video games to provide a pseudo-3D representation while maintaining simplicity in measurement and construction. Unlike perspective projection, it preserves parallel lines and scales accurately along principal axes, making it useful for dimensioning and spatial understanding.
Developers should learn oblique projection when working on 2D games, CAD software, or technical visualization tools that require easy-to-interpret 3D-like views without complex perspective calculations. It is particularly valuable in isometric-style games, engineering diagrams, and educational applications where maintaining accurate proportions and avoiding foreshortening is critical for clarity and precision. Use cases include creating sprites for retro games, drafting mechanical parts, or simulating simple 3D environments in resource-constrained systems.