Schematic
A schematic is a diagram used to illustrate the elements of a system at an abstract level. This typically involves the use of graphic symbols and lines rather than a 'realistic' representation.
A schematic will generally not show details unless they are expressly relevant to what is being conveyed, unless they assist comprehension.
A common example of a schematic is an electrical circuit diagram, which uses symbols in a layout which may not resemble the actual circuit layout but are instead arranged for ease of interpretation. Similarly, a transit map uses graphic symbols to represent stations and the arrangement of the train lines will often not resemble the geographic location of the stations in relation to one another.
NB The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Glossary of procurement terms, defines a schematic as: ‘A diagram showing the main form and features of something to help people to understand it.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.