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317,028 tall buildings

definition strict definition

illustration

Related terms: drawing · rendering

A non-photographic depiction of a structure, assumed accurate for its planned design or an earlier design version.

An illustration is a non-photographic pictorial representation of a structure which is presumed to be accurate, at least with respect to the planned design or a previous version of it. Most renderings used for data collection are publicized by companies interested in promoting structures they are involved in.

Data like floor counts, architectural style, and sometimes usage can be gathered from renderings. They can be a low-grade source for facade colors.

The depicted design may be planned or may belong to a previous version. The illustration therefore does not by itself prove that the completed structure has the same form. A photograph records a camera view, while technical drawings require the separate level of precision stated for that source.

Related definitions

Definition
strict definition
Also known as
drawing, rendering
Key
source.2.5
Last updated
Sep 10, 2026