Elevation

An elevation is a straight-on drawing of one face of a building showing height, finishes, windows, and doors — as opposed to a plan, which is viewed from above.

Estimators read elevations to quantify facade materials and openings: cladding, glazing, doors, trim, and exterior finishes that are hard to measure from floor plans alone.

Elevations also help catch vertical scope that plans understate, such as multi-story facade runs, parapets, and exterior equipment openings.