viivotin

Viivotin is a drawing instrument used in geometry and technical drawing to produce straight lines and to layout measurements. In Finnish, the term refers to a simple straightedge or ruler, typically made of plastic or wood. Common lengths are 15 cm, 30 cm, or longer, and the edge is kept straight to serve as a guide for a pencil or pen.

Construction and features: A viivotin is a flat, rigid strip with a straight edge. Some versions have a beveled edge or include centimeter and millimeter markings along the edge. In classroom sets it is often used together with other drafting tools, such as a protractor or a set square, to draw lines at specific angles or to copy measurements from a scale.

Uses: The primary purpose is to draw straight lines and to help align writing or diagrams with page margins. It is used in basic mathematics, geometry, art, and design work where precise lines are required.

Variations and context: While modern computer-aided drafting has reduced the need for manual rulers in professional settings, viivotins remain common in education and simple drafting. Variants include plain straightedges and rulers with built-in features or as components of larger drafting sets.

See also: ruler, straightedge, set square, drafting tools.