korssnittet

Korssnittet, a Swedish term equivalent to the English "cross‑section" or “transverse section,” is a diagrammatic representation of a vertical slice through an object, structure, or geographic area. By imagining the material or terrain cut along a plane and unfolded, a korssnittet shows internal relationships that are otherwise hidden in a two‑dimensional view. The drawing is often indicated by a line called the section line on a plan, and the resulting figure is displayed as a separate, detailed illustration.

In architecture and civil engineering, korssnittet is used to convey the depth, wall thickness, and arrangement of floors, beams, and foundations. Engineers employ it to examine load distribution, water flow, and thermal performance. In geology the figure reveals stratigraphic layers, fault lines, and sedimentary structures, aiding interpretations of tectonic history and resource exploration. In the built environment it is also common in construction detailing, elevator shaft and ductwork plans, and in the documentation of historic masonry.

The creation of a korssnittet requires a clear conceptualization of the section line and the aplanar relationships within the object. Conventional drawing standards prescribe line weights: thick lines for edges in the plane of the section, dashed lines for hidden edges behind. Modern practice may incorporate computer‑generated sections from 3‑D models.

While the term is most frequently used within Swedish contexts, the generic concept of a cross‑section is shared worldwide across disciplines such as biology, automotive design, and even comics illustration. Korssnittet thus functions as a visual tool to transform complex, volumetric information into a readily interpretable two‑dimensional form.