Dashed lines are lines that are broken into segments, creating a pattern of short dashes or gaps. They are commonly used in various fields, such as cartography for indicating boundaries or in engineering to represent hidden features in technical drawings. The length and spacing of the dashes can vary depending on the specific application. In graphic design, dashed lines can be used to create visual interest or to guide the viewer's eye. They often signify a temporary or non-permanent boundary, such as in road markings where they indicate lanes that can be crossed. Overall, dashed lines serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in visual communication.