Schematic

The dot is not intended to resemble the actual station at all but aims to give the viewer information without unnecessary visual clutter.

A schematic diagram of a chemical process uses symbols in place of detailed representations of the vessels, piping, valves, pumps, and other equipment that compose the system, thus emphasizing the functions of the individual elements and the interconnections among them and suppresses their physical details.

[1] While schematics were traditionally drawn by hand, using standardized templates or pre-printed adhesive symbols, today electronic design automation software (EDA or "electrical CAD") is often used.

These diagrams simplify and compress the details that would be repeated on each phase of a three-phase system, showing only one element instead of three.

Schematic diagrams are used extensively in repair manuals to help users understand the interconnections of parts, and to provide graphical instruction to assist in dismantling and rebuilding mechanical assemblies.

Many automotive and motorcycle repair manuals devote a significant number of pages to schematic diagrams.