INTRODUCTION TO ICT SPECIALIZATIONS 1

BTLE 30093
 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

This lesson will provide the overview of the course, its requirements and other details
related to it. Being well-informed about the university is one of the responsibilities of the
students and it will eventually help them in developing their own path towards the goals that
they have set.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:

1. Be knowledgeable about the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the
university.
2. Explain the meaning and importance of the vision, mission, goals and
objectives of the university with how it is related to the course they are with.
3. Be familiar with the course and its requirements.

COURSE CONTENTS
The teacher together with the students will discuss and explain the vision, mission,
goals and objectives of the university. Afterwards, the overview and requirements of the course
will be presented to the students with the aid of the course syllabus.

ASSESSMENT
Students will explain and share their insights about the University and the course
Introduction to ICT specializations 1.
 LESSON 1
TECHNICAL DRAWING

Technical drawings are the graphics and documentation (including notes and
specifications) used by manufacturers to fabricate electronic and mechanical products and by
construction professionals to produce houses, commercial buildings, roads, bridges, and water
and wastewater systems. In fact, technical graphics are produced before almost all products are
manufactured— from the electronic devices inside your cell phone to the handle of your
toothbrush.
This lesson is designed to introduce students to the field of technical drawing. This
course is a good way to explore whether you possess the interests and aptitudes to pursue a
career in which technical drawings are created or interpreted.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
1. Explain the concept and ideas of technical drawing.
2. Discuss the role of technical drawing in the design process and career paths.
3. Evaluate the qualities of drafters that employers look.

COURSE MATERIALS
 Instructional materials (Module and PPT)
 Video Presentations
 Scholarly works

COURSE CONTENT
 Introduction To Graphic Communication
 Origins of Technical Drawing
 The Role of Technical Drawing in the Design Process
 Career paths in Technical Drawing
 Qualities the Employers Look for in Drafters
 INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

A drawing is a graphic representation of an object, or a part of it, and is the result of

creative thought by an engineer or technician. When one person sketches a rough map in giving
direction to another, this is graphic communication. Graphic communication involves using
visual materials to relate ideas. Drawings, photographs, slides, transparencies, and sketches
are all forms of graphic communication. Any medium that uses a graphic image to aid in
conveying a message, instructions, or an idea is involved in graphic communication.
One of the most widely used forms of graphic communication is the drawing.
Technically, it can be defined as ―a graphic representation of an idea, a concept or an entity
which actually or potentially exists in life. Drawing is one of the oldest forms of communicating,
dating back even farther than verbal communication. The drawing itself is a way of
communicating all necessary information about an abstract, such as an idea or concept or a
graphic representation of some real entity, such as a machine part, house or tools.
There are two basic types of drawings: Artistic and Technical drawings.
1. Artistic Drawings
Artistic Drawings range in scope from the simplest line drawing to the most famous
paintings. Regardless of their complexity, artistic drawings are used to express the
feelings, beliefs, philosophies, and ideas of the artist. In order to understand an artistic
drawing, it is sometimes necessary to first understand the artist. Artists often take a
subtle or abstract approach in communicating through their drawings, which in turn gives
rise to various interpretations.
2. Technical Drawings
The technical drawing, on the other hand, is not subtle, or abstract. It does not require
an understanding of its creator, only an understanding of technical drawings. A technical
drawing is a means of clearly and concisely communicating all of the information
necessary to transform an idea or a concept in to reality. Therefore, a technical drawing
often contains more than just a graphic representation of its subject. It also contains
dimensions, notes and specifications.
 ORIGINS OF TECHNICAL DRAWING

Technical Drawing: a brief history

Ancient Times:
Drafting is one of the older documented profession. The earliest appearance of drawing
was found on cave walls, next to animal hide and vellum. The ancient Chinese and Egyptian
people made huge advancements by developing rice paper and papyrus. The first known city is
Jericho, which is now known as the Palestinian West Bank. It‘s occupation dates back to 10,000
BCE. There are a few pieces of evidence of what we would now call technical planning. Is has
more than 7.000 BCE. As the civilizations became more advanced, there was a necessity to
structure and organize how cities, bridges, roads, and other constructions would be built.
Mathematical and measurement abilities were indeed the key to the development of this
civilization. For example, we could use southern Europe and the Middle East ―masterpieces‖ as
the Coliseum, Parthenon, the Egyptian pyramids, and others.

Italian renaissance:
This incredible moment in world history has many contributions to the current drafting,
designing, and engineering. Filippo Brunelleschi (1377- 1446) started the flat representation of
objects in three dimensions and became one of the most influential architects of Renaissance
aesthetics. Rafael Sanzio (1483-1520), an Italian painter and architect, spent his life residing in
Florence, considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. He was a Master of Painting and
Architecture at the city‘s School of Arts. He was chosen to be the architect of the new St. Peter‘s
Basilica in Rome, and through his studies on preservation, he made an archaeological map of
the city. The greatest Sanzio‘s contribution to the technical drawing was, along with Felippo, the
representation of a three-dimensional perspective. He was capable of translating the 2D image
that the eyes create into the three-dimensional image that the brain interprets onto paper.
Although best known as the Mona Lisa painter, Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) exhibited
numerous skills in the sciences and engineering creations. As a scientist, Leonardo had no
formal study in Latin and mathematics and did not frequent a university. Because of these
circumstances, his scientific studies were ignored by other scholars. Leonardo‘s approach to
science was one of intense observation and detailed recording. His research tools being almost
exclusively his eyes. Their diaries give tips on their investigative processes. He kept a series of
notebooks he wrote almost daily, as well as separate notes and blocks of observations,
comments, and plans. Many documents have survived to illustrate their studies, discoveries,
and inventions. In Leonardo‘s notebooks, there are many war machines, such as a vehicle
propelled by two men through crankshafts. Also, there were flying machine designs and bridges
projects.

Technical Drawings - Da Vinci

Thus, we can admit that the ―dark ages‖ has lighted up the technical drawing study.
Nowadays, it is a little difficult to imagine how they did these work by hand-made production,
using drawing instruments, which were early versions of the ruler, set square, compass, and
protractor.

First Industrial Revolution:

This revolution era received lots of innovations, tools, structures, multiples states
materials, and the beginnings of mass production. The origin of new machines and mass
manufactures products required improvement in the drawing techniques. During this time,
engineering and drafting take place in the market, especially in the textile industries.

Second Industrial Revolution:

Between 1900 and 1945, industrial production of products for both the military and the
emerging consumer class and greatly intensified. Not only was the number of products being
produced rapidly growing, but becoming increasingly complex. Designers needed to more
accurately portray the working mechanical elements of increasingly complex systems of
machinery. During this period, how technical drawings were draw began to become
standardized.

After World War II:

After this historical world war, the demand for customer goods increased. Science, at
the same time, the space race helped create a global focus on science and technology. This
innovation required the development of millions of technical drawings, but for engineers and
drafters, everything had changed in the 1960s, with CAD origin. Dr. Patrick Hanratty imagined
the first numerical control system, which later becomes Computer-Aided Design or CAD. The
preciseness, skillfulness, and edit-ability of CAD designs revolutionize the engineering,
architecture, and manufacturing landscape. But what is CAD, after all? CAD, or Computer-aided
design, is a digital technology that creates two-dimensional or three-dimensional diagrams,
which can be observed from any point of view, even from the inside looking out. The term
―computer-aided design‖ was invented by Douglas Taylor Ross, an American computer science
pioneer and considered the father of Automatically Programmed Tools, a language to drive
numerically controlled manufacturing. CAD can assist in the manufacturing process by
associating all issues involving the complexity of a given material (such as strategies,
tolerances, and measurements) with the specific conventions for the merchandise in question.
This was a revolution for technical Drawing because now all the analogic tools could be
replaced for the digital design. However, in 1960, Computer-Aided Design software and
computer had been developed, but each machine costs millions of dollars. Only large
companies had conditions to buy it, such as the military, NASA, or car companies could afford
these systems. Only two decades later, with the ―internet bubble.‖ personal computers became
something more ordinary, also CAD.

TYPES OF TECHNICAL DRAWING

Technical drawings can be categorized into many types. Different types of drawings are
described below.

General layout drawing

A ‗general layout drawing‘ is normally prepared in plan-view. It describes (i) entry gates
and plant boundary, (ii) plant approach roads, (iii) location of the plant, equipment and facilities,
(iv) provides the linkages between the plant equipment and facilities, (v) road and rail
movements, (iv) conveyors and pipeline routings, (vi) critical and regulatory clearances if
required, (vii) location of chimneys and stacks, and (viii) green belts. The drawing is usually
prepared to the scale with building dimensions.

Layout drawing
A layout drawing depicts design development requirements. It is similar to a detail,
assembly, or installation drawing, except that it presents pictorial, notational, or dimensional
data to the extent necessary to convey the design solution used in preparing other engineering
drawings. The layout drawing normally does not establish item identification.
The layout drawing is not generally used to fabricate equipment. However, a detailed
layout drawing is sometimes used for this purpose. A layout drawing is drawn to scale with
sufficient accuracy and completeness for its intended use. It can also be used as an interim
assembly drawing for development equipment.
General arrangement drawing
A general arrangement (GA) drawing depicts the physical relationship of significant
items using appropriate projections or perspective views. Reference dimensions are to be
included in GA drawing. The GA drawing does not establish item identification. It is prepared to
convey a general description of the configuration and location of significant items. It is not
normally used to control design.
The GA drawing normally includes (i) sufficient views so that a general understanding of
the configuration and location of significant items is conveyed, (ii) overall, locating, and other
general dimensions necessary to describe the configuration, (iii) identities of significant items,
and (iv) reference to applicable documents for further details.

Detail drawing
A detail drawing provides the complete end-product definition of the part or parts
depicted on the drawing. A detail drawing establishes item identification for each part depicted
thereon. It is either a mono detail drawing or a multi detail drawing.
A mono detail drawing defines a single part. It is prepared to provide maximum clarity in
defining the part. It describes all features of the part which include configuration, dimensions,
tolerances, materials, mandatory processes, surface texture, protective finishes and coatings,
and markings.
A multi detail drawing defines two or more uniquely identified parts in separate views or
in separate sets of views on the same drawing. It is a single drawing prepared to describe parts
usually related to one another. A multi detail drawing is to be used cautiously. The same
revision status applies to all details on a multi detail drawing and hence a change to one detail
of the drawing can affect the associated records of all other details (material control data,
manufacturing planning, and microfilm etc.). Some significant benefits are to outweigh this
potential disadvantage, as well as such others as diminished clarity and usefulness resulting
from increased drawing complexity.

Assembly drawing
Assembly drawing defines the configuration and contents of the assembly or
assemblies depicted thereon. It establishes item identification for each assembly. Where an
assembly drawing contains detailed requirements for one or more parts used in the assembly, it
is a detail assembly drawing. The assembly drawing is prepared for each group of items which
are to be joined to form an assembly and that reflect one or more of the (i) a logical level in the
assembly or disassembly sequence, (ii) a testable item, (ii) a functional item and (iv) a
deliverable item. It is the preferred drawing type for an inseparable assembly. However,
individual pieces of the inseparable assembly need not be individually detailed provided they
are controlled by the specified assembly requirements or by separate detail drawings.

Erection drawings
An erection drawing provides information for properly positioning and installing items
relative to their supporting structure and adjacent items. This information includes dimensional
data, hardware descriptions, and general configuration information for the installation site. The
erection drawing is prepared to provide detailed installation information for (i) functionally related
items (such as a control system, electrical system, or hydraulic system) which cannot be
effectively shown on an assembly drawing of the item to which it belongs, or (ii) a part or
assembly which is so large or complex that the major assembly drawing cannot accommodate
all relevant data.

Process flow diagram

The purpose of process flow diagram (PFD) is generally (i) to show the plant design
basis indicating feedstock, product and main streams flow rates and operating conditions, (ii) to
identify the scope of the process, (iii) to show graphically the arrangement of major equipment,
process lines and main control loops, and (iv) to show utilities which are used continuously in
the process.

Piping and instrument drawing

A piping and instrumentation diagram/drawing (P&ID) is a detailed diagram in the
process plant which shows the piping and vessels in the process flow, together with the
instrumentation and control devices. It is the primary schematic drawing used for laying out a
process control installation. It is a diagram which shows the interconnection of process
equipment and the instrumentation used to control the process. Normally a standard set of
symbols is used to prepare drawings of processes.
P&ID is normally drawn up at the design stage from a combination of PFD, the
mechanical process equipment design, and the instrumentation engineering design. During the
design stage, the diagram also provides the basis for the development of system control
scheme. P&ID also plays a significant role in the maintenance and modification of the process
after initial build. It is also vital in enabling development of control and shutdown schemes,
safety and regulatory requirements, start-up sequences, and operational understanding. It forms
the basis for the live mimic diagrams displayed on graphical user interfaces of industrial control
systems such as SCADA and distributed control systems.

Control drawings
Control drawing is that drawing which is used for the control of certain activities. There
are usually six categories of control drawing:
The first category of control drawing is the procurement control drawing. It provides
criteria for performance, acceptance, and identification of supplier items by disclosing the
engineering design characteristics required normally for control of interfaces and to ensure
repeatability of performance.
The second category of control drawing is the vendor Item drawing. It provides an
engineering description and acceptance criteria for purchased items. It provides sufficient
engineering definition for acceptance of interchangeable items within specified limits. It is used
to provide engineering requirements for a purchased item. It is not the intent of a vendor item
drawing to portray a complete design disclosure. This drawing discloses sufficient information to
ensure identification and re-procurement of interchangeable items.
The third category of control drawing is the source control drawing. It provides
engineering description and acceptance criteria for purchased items which need design activity
imposed qualification testing and exclusively provide performance, installation, and
interchangeability characteristics specifically required for the critical applications. It establishes
item identification for the controlled items. It is used to provide a means of establishing
engineering requirements for the selection, qualification testing, and acquisition of an item, and
documentation to assure interchangeability of specified items.
The fourth category of control drawing is the design control drawing. It discloses the
basic technical information and performance requirements necessary for a contractor to
complete the detailed design required to develop and produce an item. The drawing in itself
does not provide complete design for which a detailed design drawing is needed.
The fifth category of control drawing is the interface control drawing. It depicts physical
and functional interfaces of related or co-functioning items. It does not establish item
identification. This drawing controls one or more of the interfaces such as mechanical, electrical,
interconnections, configuration, installation, operational sequence requirements, and system
switching etc.
 The sixth category of control drawing is the identification cross reference drawing. It is
an administrative type drawing which assigns unique identifiers which are compatible with
automated data processing systems, item identification specifications, and provides a cross
reference to the original incompatible identifier. It does not specify any engineering or design
requirements beyond those already contained in the drawings, and specification etc. governing
the original item.

Mechanical schematic diagrams

The mechanical schematic diagram depicts mechanical and other functional operation,
structural loading, fluid circuitry, or other functions using appropriate standard symbols and
connecting lines. It is a design information drawing. It is made when operating principles cannot
be readily determined from a study of the assembly drawing.
A mechanical schematic diagram symbolically depicts elements of the unit, assembly,
or system involved and displays the relation of each element by interconnecting lines. The
elements are usually arranged functionally or they are actually arranged as in their assembly or
installed position. Loading diagrams for hoists and slings, flow diagrams for hydraulic or
pneumatic control valves, and simple unit flow diagrams, etc. can often be combined with the
assembly or installation drawing. Hydraulic or pneumatic system diagrams, complicated rigging
diagrams, and complex mechanical function diagrams etc., normally require separate drawings.

Civil drawing
Civil drawing is used for specifying the shape and position of the civil foundation. It
typically includes the information such as (i) setting out dimensions for the concrete structure on
site, (ii) plans, sections and elevations showing layout, dimensions and levels of all concrete
members, (iii) location of all holes, chases, pockets, fixings and other items affecting the
concreting work, (iv) notes on specifications, finishes and all cross-references affecting the
construction. The drawing provides the detailer with the layout and sectional information
required to specify the length, shape and number of each type of reinforcing bar.
Reinforcement drawing is part of civil drawing. It fully describes and locates all
reinforcements in relation to the finished surface of the concrete and to any holes or fixings.

Structural drawing
A structural drawing is a type of technical drawing which depicts the design and working
drawings for building as well as technological structures. It includes a plan or set of plans for the
building or other structures. Structural drawings are primarily concerned with the load-carrying
members of a structure. They outline the size and types of materials to be used, as well as the
general demands for connections. They do not address architectural details like surface
finishes, partition walls, or mechanical systems. The structural drawings guide in detailing,
fabricating, and installing parts of the structure.

Electrical and electronic diagrams

Electrical and electronic diagrams depict the elements or functions of electrical or
electronic items using standard symbols and connecting lines or data in tabular form. These
diagrams do not depict items to scale. They are design information drawings. They are of
following types.
The first type is the functional block diagram. It depicts the functions of the major
elements of a circuit, assembly, and system etc. in simplified form. It is prepared to illustrate the
functional relationship of major elements of an assembly, and system etc. It includes major
circuit functions depicted by single lines, rectangular blocks, and explanatory notes or text.
The second type is the single line diagram. It depicts the course of an electric or
electronics circuit, or system of circuits, and the elements thereof using single lines, symbols,
and notes. A single line diagram conveys basic information about the operation of the circuit, but
omits much of the detailed information usually shown on schematic diagrams.
The third type is schematic diagram. It depicts the electrical connections and functions
of a specific circuit arrangement without regard to the physical shape, size, or location of the
elements. It is prepared to show the detailed design of a circuit and to assist in tracing the circuit
and its functions. It can be prepared for any level of assembly and can include one or more
levels.
The fourth type is connection diagram or wiring diagram. It depicts the general physical
arrangement of electrical connections and wires between circuit elements in an installation or
assembly. It shows internal connections, but may include external connections which have one
termination inside and one outside the assembly. It contains the details necessary to make or
trace connections involved. It is prepared to show the connection of wires and circuit elements
at any level of assembly or installation.
The fifth type is the interconnection diagram. It depicts only external connections
between assemblies, units, or higher level items. It is prepared to show the interconnections
between units, sets, groups, and systems. It is prepared either as a wiring type diagram which
shows each wire, or as a cabling type diagram which primarily shows cables but can also
include wires. It does not necessarily show physical relationship.
The sixth type is the wiring list. It consists of tabular data and instructions necessary to
establish wiring connections. The wiring list is a form of connection or interconnection diagram.
It is normally prepared for one or more related assemblies.
The seventh type is the logic circuit diagram. It depicts the logic functions of a system at
any level of assembly. It is prepared to (i) illustrate logic functions, and (ii) facilitate circuit
analysis and diagnosis of equipment problems. It includes (i) logic functions depicted by logic
symbols connected by lines which represent signal paths, and (ii) pin numbers, test points,
assembly boundaries, and non-logic functions necessary to describe the physical and electrical
aspects of the circuit.

Special application drawings

Special application drawings are of several types. These are described below.
A wiring harness drawing specifies the engineering requirements and establishes item
identification for a wiring harness (a group of individually insulated conductors, including
shielded wires and coaxial cables, held together by lacing cord or other binding). It is prepared
as either a detailed or simplified drawing.
A cable assembly drawing depicts an electrical cable assembly of defined length and
establishes item identification for that assembly. It is prepared to describe power, signal, radio
frequency, audio and general purpose electrical cable assemblies including both single-run and
branched cables.
Printed board drawing sets consist of those drawings which define the configuration of
printed wiring or printed circuit boards and assemblies. They establish requirements for
assembly and test. A typical drawing set includes an assembly drawing, schematic diagram,
master drawing, and may include an artwork master.
A microcircuit drawing specifies the engineering requirements and establishes item
identification for a microcircuit. It is prepared to establish the physical and functional
characteristics necessary to ensure microcircuit interchangeability.
An un-dimensioned drawing represents the shape and other design features of an
object at a precise scale predominantly without dimensions. It is prepared to describe items
which can be fabricated by use of the patterns to produce the item or to produce a tool for use in
fabricating the item.
 A kit drawing identifies an item or group of items with instructions for their use. It does
not necessarily define a complete functional assembly. It is prepared when it is desired to
identify all of the items required to perform a specific operation in kit form.
A pipe bend drawing establishes, by pictorial or tabular description or a combination
thereof, end product definition for a single, multi-plane, pipe or pipe assembly along with the
identification for the bent pipe or pipe assembly. It is prepared to specify complete requirements
and configuration of rigid or semi-rigid piping for direct use in forming on a draw bending
machine. It is prepared as a detail, assembly, or detail assembly drawing.
A matched set drawing defines items which are matched and for which replacement as
a matched set is essential. It is prepared when the required dimensions, tolerances, or other
characteristics of items can only be specified in terms of the matched relationship. This includes
items which are interchangeable only as a set because of special requirements for machining,
electrical characteristics, performance, etc.
A contour definition drawing contains the mathematical, numeric, or graphic definition
required to locate and define a contoured surface. It does not establish item identification for the
items described thereon. It is prepared to define complex surface geometry which cannot be
conveniently included in the detail drawings of an item.
A computer program drawing describes the design details, establishes item
identification, and provides for control of the software it represents. Three types of drawings are
generally used. These are (i) computer program listing drawing, (ii) computer program assembly
drawing, and (iii) computer program set drawing. Computer program listing drawing is prepared
to document operational computer programs / software. It provides design details and
establishes item identification for the computer program. It identifies the master source code,
object code, or both, for the computer program in human readable form. The drawing specifies
the media materials, marking requirements, and the applicable specifications. The type of
software tools (computer, assembler, and compiler etc.) required to produce the object code
from the source code is also specified. The computer program assembly drawing contains
computer generated load maps of computer programs with multiple components / subprograms.
It lists each subprogram and specifies the media materials, type of equipment required to
produce the computer program, marking requirements, and applicable specifications. It
establishes item identification for the assembly process. The computer program set drawing
groups two or more individual computer programs into a set for handling convenience. It
consists of a parts list which identifies the computer programs and applicable notes. It
establishes item identification for the set.
Modifying drawings
Modifying drawing types (altered item, selected item and modification drawings) are not
used for items made from raw or bulk materials, items purchased in bulk lengths (extrusions,
channel nuts, and hinges etc.), or such semi-processed items as blank panels, castings, and
electronic equipment drawers etc.
An altered item drawing describes the physical alteration of an existing item under the
control of another design activity. The drawing type permits the required alteration to be
performed by any competent manufacturer including the original manufacturer, the altering
design activity, or a third party. It establishes new item identification for the altered item
A selected item drawing defines refined acceptance criteria for an existing item under
the control of another design activity which requires further selection, restriction, or testing for
such characteristics as fit, tolerance, material (in cases where alternate materials are used in
the existing item), performance, reliability, etc., within the originally prescribed limits. This
drawing establishes new item identification for the selected item.
A modification drawing describes changes to items after they have been delivered.
When required for control purposes, the drawing requires re-identification of the modified item.
The drawing is prepared to add, remove, or rework items to satisfy the user‘s requirements or to
incorporate mandatory changes in delivered equipment. A modification drawing is not a
substitute for existing drawing types used to produce the item prior to modification. Engineering
changes are incorporated into the latter drawing types to the extent that future production is to
reflect the modifications.

PURPOSE AND APPLICATION OF TECHNICAL DRAWINGS

The purpose of a technical drawing is to clarify an idea and to translate that idea into a
common graphical language. Manufacturers of a product apply their literacy in this language to
interpret a technical drawing so they can build the particular structure represented and defined
by it. Through technical drawings, drafting professionals show manufacturers the exact size,
shape and location of each part of a structure. Technical drawings fulfill their purpose of idea
translation through the application of a variety of methods and visual conventions.
Measurements
While a technical drawing communicates the shape of each part of a proposed structure
with a visual representation, the exact size and position of the structure must come from
measurements, which drafters call "dimensions." Among the dimensions you'll see on the front
view of a house, for example, are those that convey the front view's complete width. A drawing
will show that dimension as a line under or above the image of the house's front view. The line
extends from the left to the right side of the house. At the centre of the line the drafter will enter
the dimension for the house's width. The dimension will be in feet, meters, or whatever unit the
production crew needs to build the house.

Conveying Tolerances
Tolerance is the range of dimensions that a structure and its components can take. For
example, a technical drawing may show that the entrance to a doghouse has the following width
dimension: "14 inches, +/- 1/4 inch." This dimension is communicating that the doghouse's
entrance can measure 14 inches across, give or take a quarter of an inch. Production crews
need drafters to specify tolerances for a number of reasons, the foremost being that it's nearly
always impossible to make a part to an exact size or position. Most objects expand or contract
from heat or other environmental factors.

Projection Views
Projection views are easiest to understand by example. The top projection view of a
house will show you the roof of the house, while the front projection view will show you the front
door and windows. A technical drawing can depict these views as orthographic or perspective.
The front perspective view of a railroad track will show the tracks' rails as converging toward
each other. By contrast, the front orthographic view of those same tracks will show you
something like a pair of two large "I"s, which represent the cutaway view of the two rails of the
track.

Expressing Form and Structure

Technical drawings achieve their purpose of conveying a structure's shape through
graphical two-dimensional (2-D) images. An example of an image that conveys a form is a
circle, which can represent many real-world objects, such as a sphere, or the top view of a
drinking glass. A drafter will draw the side view of a drinking glass as a simple rectangle with its
top edge removed. Note that an actual drinking glass would not look like the rectangle or circle,
but these graphics are conventions commonly understood to represent real-life forms.

Lettering
Production crews require technical drawings to be as clear as possible. Drafters thus
undergo training to make the numbers and letters they write immediately legible. This training
includes exactly what strokes of a pencil are needed to produce each letter of the alphabet, and
each number. The characters that result from these strokes are usually in a typeface called
Gothic, which doesn't have serifs (the small curves that Times New Roman, Courier and other
fonts place on "S" and other characters).

To appreciate the need for technical drawings, one must understand the design
process. The design process is an orderly, systematic procedure used in accomplishing a
needed design. Any product that is to be manufactured, fabricated, assembled, constructed,
built, or subjected to any other types of conversion process must first be designed. For example,
a house must be designed before it can be built.
Technical drawings are used in many different applications. They are needed in any
setting, which involves design, and in any subsequent forms of conversion process. The most
common applications of technical drawings can be found in the fields of manufacturing,
engineering and construction. For instance, Surveyors, civil engineers, sanitarians use technical
drawings to document such works as the layout of a new subdivisions, or the marking of the
boundaries for a piece of property. Contractors and construction personnel use technical
drawings as their blue prints in converting architectural and engineering designs in to reality.

THE ROLE OF TECHNICAL DRAWING IN THE DESIGN PROCESS

To appreciate technical drawing‘s role in the design process, you must first understand
some basics about the design process itself. For most projects, the first phase of a design
project is to define clearly the design criteria that the finished design must meet to be
considered a success. Many designers refer to this phase in the design process as problem
identification. For example, before designing a house, an architectural designer needs to know
the size and style of home the client wants, the number of bedrooms and baths, and the
approximate budget for the project. The designer also needs information about the site where
the house will be built. Is it hilly or flat? Are there trees, and if so, where are they located? What
is the orientation of the site relative to the rising and setting of the sun? These concerns
represent just a few of many design parameters that the designer needs to define before
beginning the design process.
Once the design problem is clearly defined, the designer begins preparing preliminary
designs that can meet the parameters defined during the problem identification phase. During
this step, multiple solutions to the design problem may be generated in the form of freehand
sketches, formal CAD drawings, or even rendered three-dimensional (3D) models. Designers
refer to this process of generating many possible solutions to the design problem as the
ideation, or brainstorming, phase of the process.
The preliminary designs are shown to the client to determine whether the design is in
line with the client‘s expectations. This step allows the designer to clarify the client‘s needs and
expectations. It also is an opportunity for a designer to educate the client about other, possibly
better, solutions to the design problem.
After the client decides on a preliminary design that meets the criteria established in the
first problem identification phase, the designer begins preparing design inputs that more clearly
define the details of the design project. Design inputs may include freehand sketches with
dimensional information, detailed notes, or even CAD models.
When the design inputs are finished, they are given to the drafter(s) responsible for
preparing the technical drawings for the project. Drafters are individuals who have received
specialized training in the creation of technical drawings.
One of the most important skills that drafters must acquire during their training is the
ability to interpret design inputs and transform them into technical drawings. Drafters usually
work closely with other members of the design team, which may include designers, checkers,
engineers, architects, and other drafters during the creation of technical drawings.
Most drafters use CAD software to prepare technical drawings. CAD allows drafters to
produce drawings much more quickly than traditional drafting techniques.
Popular CAD programs include AutoCAD, Revit, Autodesk Inventor, SOLIDWORKS,
and Creo.
When the drafter is finished preparing the technical drawings, the designer, or in some
cases a checker, reviews the drawings carefully for mistakes. If mistakes are found, or if the
design has been revised, the drafter will make the necessary corrections or revisions to the
drawings. This process is repeated until the construction drawings are considered to be
complete. When the entire set of construction drawings is finalized, the drafter and designer(s)
put their initials in an area of the drawing called the title block.
 The finished construction drawings represent the master plan for the project. Everything
required to complete the project, from applying for a building permit to securing financing for the
project, revolves around the construction drawings. Building contractors use the construction
documents to prepare bids for the project, and the winning bidders will use them to construct the
building.
Engineering designers follow a similar process when designing products. Most
engineering projects begin with a definition of initial design criteria and progress through the
phases of preliminary design, design refinement, preparation of technical drawings,
manufacturing, and inspection.
The trend in modern design, whether architectural or engineering, is to use CAD tools
to create a dynamic, often three-dimensional, database that can be shared by all members of
the design team. Increasingly, others in the organization, such as those involved in marketing,
finance, or service and repair, will access information from the CAD database to accomplish
their jobs.
TRAINING FOR CAREERS IN TECHNICAL DRAWING

Most drafters acquire their training by attending community college or technical school
programs that lead to a certificate or associate‘s degree in drafting and design or CAD. These
programs usually take from one to two years to complete and focus on the skills necessary to
work as a drafter in industry, such as drafting techniques, knowledge of drafting standards, and
the use of CAD programs to create drawings. Although most employers do not require that
drafters be certified, the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) has established a
certification program for drafters. Individuals seeking certification must pass a test, which is
administered periodically at ADDA-authorized sites. Some publishers of CAD software also offer
certification on their products through authorized training sites.
Most drafters are full-time employees of architectural and engineering firms. Usually,
drafters qualify for overtime pay when they work in excess of 40 hours per week. However,
some drafters prefer to work as nonemployee contractors. Contractors are usually very
experienced drafters who often earn higher salaries than direct employees but have less job
stability. Some organizations allow drafters to telecommute and transfer drawing files to the
office via the Internet. Designers are often former drafters who have proven their ability to take
on more responsibility and decision-making duties. Designers usually earn higher salaries than
drafters because they are charged with more responsibility for the design, and even the
successful completion, of the project.
 To become an engineer or architect, an individual must first earn a bachelor‘s degree in
engineering or architecture from a university program. Bachelor‘s degree programs generally
take four to five years to complete and usually require a mastery of higher level courses in
mathematics and physics.
After earning a degree, an engineer may become a professional engineer (P.E.), and
an architect may become licensed, through a process involving both work experience and
strenuous professional exams. The accreditation of architects is regulated by the American
Institute of Architects (AIA) and by individual state statutes. The accrediting agency for
engineers is the National Society of Professional Engineers.

CAREER PATHS IN TECHNICAL DRAWING

 Architectural drafters work with architects and designers to prepare the drawings used in
construction projects. These drawings may include floor plans, elevations, and
construction details. Study of construction techniques and materials, as well as building
codes, is important to the education of an architectural drafter. Some architectural
drafters specialize in residential architecture (houses), whereas others may specialize in
commercial architecture (
 Mechanical drafters work with buildings and apartments) or structural drafting (steel
buildings or concrete structures. Mechanical engineers and designers to prepare detail
and assembly drawings of machinery and mechanical devices. Mechanical drafters are
usually trained in basic engineering theory as well as drafting standards and
manufacturing techniques. They may be responsible for specifying items on a drawing
such as the types of fasteners (nuts, bolts, and screws) needed to assemble a
mechanical device or the fit between mating parts.
 Aeronautical or aerospace drafters prepare technical drawings used in the manufacture
of spacecraft and aircraft. These drafters often split their duties between mechanical
drafting and electrical/electronic drafting and are sometimes referred to as
electro/mechanical drafters.
 Civil drafters and design technicians prepare construction drawings and topographical
maps used in civil engineering projects. Civil projects may include roads, bridges, and
water and waste-water systems. Civil drafters may also work for surveying companies to
create site plans and plats for new subdivisions.
  Electrical drafters prepare diagrams used in the installation and repair of electrical
equipment and the building wiring. Electrical drafters create documentation for systems
ranging from low-voltage fire and security systems to high-voltage electrical distribution
networks.
 Electronics drafters create schematic diagrams, printed circuit board (PCB) artwork,
integrated circuit layouts, and other graphics used in the design and maintenance of
electronic (semiconductor) devices.
 Pipeline drafters and process piping drafters prepare drawings used in the construction
and maintenance of oil refineries, oil production and exploration industries, chemical
plants, and process piping systems such as those used in the manufacture of
semiconductor devices.
 Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) drafters prepare drawings used in the design,
fabrication, and installation of heating/ventilating/air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, and
plumbing systems in houses and commercial buildings.

QUALITIES THAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR IN DRAFTERS

Most employers are very careful in making hiring decisions. Interviews are usually very
thorough; in extreme cases, the interview process may take several hours. Candidates may be
called back for more than one interview. When interviewing for a job, the candidate may
interview with one person or with the entire design team. In the modern engineering or
architectural office, the candidate‘s attitude regarding work and his or her ability to learn quickly
and contribute to the team immediately is factored into the hiring decision. Often, tests are
administered during the interview to measure proficiency with CAD or the candidate‘s
understanding of necessary concepts that should have been mastered while in college or during
other training.
During the job interview, employers may ask questions to help them determine the
following:
 Did your previous training in the creation of technical drawings prepare you for this job?
 Are you a quick learner (will you contribute to the organization quickly)?
 Are you intelligent, competent, positive, and energetic?
 Will you fit into their team (you get along well with your co-workers)
 Will you require a lot of supervision (can you work independently)?
 Did you make good grades in your major (will your instructors give you good
recommendations)?
  Are you able to meet deadlines?
 Do you communicate well with others (both verbally and in writing)?
 Do you have good work habits?
 Are you dependable?
 If you are hired, will the employer profit from your efforts?

Drafting, Design, Graphic Arts, Technical Illustration, Document Handlers and today's
Digital Technicians are the basis of some of the more creative and challenging technical careers
in the world. As you consider entering this career and you begin to think about job availability
there are several items to think about. A Drafter, Designer, Technical Illustrator, Graphic Artist,
Digital Technician or Artist who has completed a technical training program may find
employment positions by these names difficult to locate. A drafter today may be identified as a
CAD Operator, Engineering Technician, Facilities Planner, Architectural Assistant and a dozen
other names.

Drafters should also possess the following specific qualities:

 Critical-thinking skills. Drafters help the architects and engineers they work for by
spotting problems with plans and designs.
 Detail oriented. Drafters must pay close attention to details so that the plans they are
helping to build are technically accurate to the outlined specifications.
 Interpersonal skills. Drafters work closely with architects, engineers, and other designers
to make sure that final plans are accurate. This requires the ability to take advice and
constructive criticism, as well as to offer it.
 Math skills. Drafters work with technical drawings that may require solving mathematical
calculations involving angles, weights, and costs.
 Technical skills. Drafters in all specialties must be able to use computer software, such
as CADD, and work with database tools, such as BIM (building information modeling).
 Time-management skills. Drafters often work under strict deadlines. As a result, they
must work efficiently in order to produce the required output according to set schedules.