Perspective projection is a type of drawing that graphically approximates on a planar (two-dimensional) surface (e.g. paper) the images of three-dimensional objects so as to approximate actual visual perception. It is sometimes also called perspective view or perspective drawing or simply perspective. A perspective projection drawing must be made according to an established geometric protocol.

The following terms are basic to understanding the drawing protocols of a perspective projection.

• Cone of vision
• Picture plane
• Vanishing point
• Station point
• Eye level
• Horizon
• Linear perspective
• Curvilinear perspective
• Reverse perspective

Also see: Perspective projection distortion, Perspective (visual), Perspective distortion