Katkoviivat

Katkoviivat is a Finnish term that translates to "broken lines" or "dashed lines" in English. It commonly refers to a type of line used in technical drawings, schematics, and various forms of graphic representation. These lines are characterized by a series of short gaps between segments, creating a discontinuous appearance. The specific pattern of the breaks and segments can vary, but the fundamental principle is that of an interrupted stroke.

In technical contexts, katkoviivat serve several important purposes. They are often used to indicate hidden or obscured features in a diagram, allowing the viewer to understand the underlying structure of an object or system without requiring multiple views. For instance, in an engineering blueprint, a dashed line might show the location of a bolt that is not visible from the exterior. They can also represent lines of symmetry, construction lines that are temporary or guides, or boundaries that are conceptual rather than physical. The precise meaning of a katkoviiva is typically defined by the legend or conventions of the specific field or document it appears in. Beyond technical drawing, the concept of broken lines is found in various visual arts and design, where they can evoke a sense of movement, fragility, or incompleteness.