Depth correspondence between views: In orthographic projection, must the depth dimension correspond between the top (plan) view and the side view?

Introduction / Context:
Multiview drawings communicate three principal dimensions: width, height, and depth. Consistent alignment ensures that a given dimension in one view maps directly to the same dimension in the adjacent view. This question focuses on the relationship between the top and side views for the depth dimension.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard first- or third-angle orthographic layout is used.
• Front, top (plan), and right/left-side views are aligned per standard practice.
• No auxiliary view distortions are involved.

Concept / Approach:
In principal views, dimensions correspond as pairs: front vs. top share width; front vs. side share height; top vs. side share depth. By projecting construction lines, features align across related views. Therefore, the depth measured in the top view must equal the depth measured in the side view, ensuring dimensional consistency and unambiguous interpretation.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
On a drawing board or CAD, project 45° miter lines (third-angle) or use standard transfer methods (first-angle) to carry depth from top to side; the alignment yields identical depth values, confirming correspondence.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “Do not need to correspond” contradicts the basis of multiview alignment.
• “Only in first-angle” is false; both systems preserve dimensional correspondence.
• Sheet size and part symmetry do not affect dimensional mapping.

Common Pitfalls:
Misaligning views when laying out drawings; mixing width and depth axes between top and side; neglecting transfer construction lines leading to mismatched features.

Final Answer:
Correct: depth in the top view corresponds exactly with depth in the side view