In graphical perspective, a vanishing point is a point in the picture plane Π that is determined by a line in space. Given the oculus or eye point O and a line L not parallel to Π, let M be the line through O and parallel to L. Then the vanishing point of L is the intersection of M and Π. Traditional linear drawings use one to three vanishing points.

A curvilinear perspective is a drawing with either 4 or 5 vanishing points, in 5-point perspective the vanishing points are mapped into a circle with 4 vanishing points at the cardinal headings N,W,S,E and one at the circle origin.

A reverse perspective is a drawing with vanishing points that are placed outside the painting with the illusion that they are "in front of" the painting.

Vanishing points can also refer to the point in the distance where the two verges of a road appear to converge. This is often used to help assess the upcoming curves in the road; to judge the radius and therefore the entry speed and optimum line. If the vanishing point moves towards you or to your sides, the curve is tightening. If the vanishing point moves away from you or comes to center, the curve is straightening.