Final answer:
The process of using ratios to ensure elements of a drawing are proportional to actual dimensions is known as 'Drawing true to scale'. A scale factor defines the relationship between units in the drawing and the actual units, with a unit scale being a specific type of proportion used in scale drawings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using ratios so the elements of a drawing are in proportion to the actual room or building is known as Drawing true to scale. Scale drawings use a scale to represent larger actual distances with smaller units of measure in the drawing, maintaining accurate proportionality. For instance, a scale factor might be 1/200, signifying that one unit on the drawing is equivalent to 200 units in reality. Proportions and unit scales are essential tools in creating scale drawings, allowing for the calculation of actual distances based on the scaled representation. It is a fundamental skill in fields such as architecture, engineering, and graphic design to ensure drawings accurately reflect the intended dimensions.
For example, if a drawing has a scale of 1" = 10 ft, and a building measures 10 inches by 14 inches on the drawing, the actual building dimensions are calculated by writing the unit scale as a ratio, 1 inch/10 feet, and then applying this ratio to the measured dimensions.