POINTS ON THE SPHERE SURFACE

Abstract

Purpose. The extensive use of the computer-aided design system (CAD) in education and industry puts forward new demands on the scope, content and quality of up-to-date descriptive geometry course. The purpose of the work is topicality analysis of traditional descriptive geometry methods for 3D modelling and development of methodological recommendations for its teaching as a subject together with a selected CAD. Methodology. Conclusions about effectiveness and expedience of application of descriptive geometry methods are drawn on the basis of tools analysis and comparison of modern CADs and descriptive geometry for solving problems arising during 3D modelling. Generalization of teaching experience made it possible to give recommendations about optimization of the descriptive geometry course taking into account present-day requirements to professional skills of an engineer. Findings. CADs tools and descriptive geometry methods are compared by way of specific example to give the answer what is more suitable for solving problems arising during 3D modelling. Originality. We presented the methodological recommendations about optimization of descriptive geometry teaching together with a selected CAD. We proposed the conception of a modern textbook on descriptive geometry. First of all, the textbook must describe algorithms for solving problems by means of standard CAD tools exactly in 3D, not on the plane. It is desirable to accompany these algorithms by pictorial images in order to have an opportunity to grasp an idea quickly and implement it through methods of direct modeling in CAD application. We also touched practical problems of students’ motivation to ensure high effectiveness of graphical education. Practical value. This paper may be useful mainly for educators in the field of engineering graphics because it raises a vital question ‘Descriptive Geometry versus CAD’ which now has no definite answer. Topicality and teaching approaches of different solution methods of spatial problems by means of projections is subject of a dispute, taking into account that CAD tools are continuously updated. This paper by way of specific example shows some advantages and limitations of descriptive geometry and CAD, as well as touches the issues of their efficient joint application for teaching.