Graphic Communication

Signs & Symbols

Signs

Signs are used to convey information in

pictorial form.

This has many advantages over written

instructions.

People who talk different languages can

understand the same common signs.

Instructions for some tasks can be

clearer when given as drawings.

Signs & Symbols

Signs & symbols are commonly used in

everyday situations.

Roadsigns, information, engineering

symbols, flow charts and circuit

diagrams are types of drawings that you

will need to know about for your exams.

Signs

There are different families of signs.

These are:

– mandatory signs

– prohibition signs

– warning signs

– safety signs

– danger signs

Signs - Mandatory signs

These signs are blue in colour.

They give a positive instruction. In other

words they tell you what to do rather

than what not to do.

Turn left

Signs - Prohibition signs

These signs are circular with a line

across the circle.

They are red in colour.

No smoking

Signs - Warning signs

These signs are yellow.

They are normally triangular but can be

other shapes.

Signs - Safety Signs

These signs tell people of safe places to

go or safe conditions.

Drawing Symbols

The 3rd Angle Projection symbol is

shown below.

This is normally included on a drawing

to tell people the standard it is drawn in.

Drawing Symbols

Different line types used include:

– outlines

– projection lines

– hidden detail

– centre lines

– cutting planes

– fold lines

Drawing Symbols - Outlines

Outlines are used to show the outline of

an object.

They are thicker than projection lines.

Drawn at 0.7mm thick.

Drawing Symbols - Projection Lines

Projection lines are used to help

construct a drawing.

They are not part of the outline of the

drawing and are drawn lightly and thin.

Drawing Symbols - Hidden Detail

Hidden detail lines are used to show

any part of an object that cannot be

seen but does exist.

They are dashed lines.

Drawing Symbols - Centre Lines

Centre lines are used to show the

centre of circles or lines of symmetry.

They are drawn as a series of long and

short dashes.

Drawing Symbols - Cutting Planes

Cutting planes are used to show where an

object is cut in a sectional drawing.

The arrows tell us what direction the cut is to

be viewed.

The letters are the label of the section.

The ends of the cutting plane are drawn

slightly thicker than the rest of it.

X X

Drawing Symbols - Fold Lines

Fold lines are used to show where

surface developments should be folded.

Building Symbols

Engineers need to use symbols to show

the different materials used in building a

house.

This is law as when submitting planning

permission a company must be able to

prove the quality of the houses or

buildings they want to build.

Building Symbols

These are some common symbols that

you will need to remember.

Bath

Sink top Sink

Washbasin

Shower tray

Radiator

Building Symbols

These are some common symbols that

you will need to remember.

In-line valve

(any type)

Window Sawn wood

Door Junctions Crossover

Building Symbols

These are some common symbols that

you will need to remember.

Bulb

Insulation

Switch

Socket

Brickwork

Concrete

Location Plans

This type of drawing shows the position

of the new building in its surrounding

area.

It is as if you are looking at the building

from an aeroplane above.

It is normally drawn to a scale of

1:1250.

Location Plans

This is an example of a location plan.

Site Plans

This type of drawing shows the building

from closer in than a Location Plan.

It is like a bird is looking down at it.

It shows the building in its immediate

surrounding area.

It is normally drawn at a scale of 1:200.

Site Plans

This is an example of a site plan.

Floor Plans

This type of drawing shows the internal

layout of a building including the

materials used in the walls.

Any electrical appliances fitted will also

be drawn like, radiators, electrical

sockets and switches.

This type of drawing is normally drawn

at a scale of 1:50.

Floor Plans

This is an

example of a

floor plan.