Civil Drafting Technology

SEVENTH EDITION
David A. Madsen
President, Madsen Designs Inc.
www.madsendesigns.com
Faculty Emeritus
Former Department Chairperson
Drafting Technology
Autodesk Premier Training Center
Clackamas Community College, Oregon City, Oregon
Autodesk Developer Network Member
Director Emeritus, American Design Drafting Association

Terence M. Shumaker
Faculty Emeritus
Past Department Chairman, Drafting Technology
Past Director, Autodesk Premier Training Center, Clackamas Community College,
Oregon City, Oregon
Autodesk Developer Network Member

David P. Madsen
Vice President, Madsen Designs Inc.
Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Consultant and Educator
Autodesk Developer Network Member
SolidWorks Research Associate
American Design Drafting Association Member

Prentice Hall
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey
Columbus, Ohio
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Madsen, David A.
Civil drafting technology / David A. Madsen, Terence M. Shumaker, David P. Madsen. — 7th ed.
p. cm.
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-500068-7
ISBN-10: 0-13-500068-8
1. Mechanical drawing. I. Shumaker, Terence M. II. Madsen, David P. III. Title.
T353.M196 2010
624—dc22 2008040151

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Preface

Civil Drafting Technology

Civil Drafting Technology is a workbook approach that provides com-

prehensive instruction in civil drafting. The content has been tested in
the classroom and was created with input from civil engineering indus-
try professionals and educators. The primary objective is to provide stu-
dents with a foundation of work done by civil engineering companies
and a broad education in the civil drafting field, which includes associ-
ated drawings, skills, and terminology. Most civil drafting and mapping
is generated by specialized computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)
software using a variety of data collected using electronic surveying
techniques. Regardless of the software used, a drafter must still have
knowledge of how maps and drawings are created.
Civil Drafting Technology is arranged in 14 chapters, each dealing
with a specific subject area. The content can be used in a one-term
or one-semester course, or the content, tests, and problems can fit a
variety of course formats. When used in the prescribed manner, Civil
Drafting Technology provides a broad understanding of civil drafting
and a working knowledge of the basic components of mapping.
With this knowledge and skill, a variety of job opportunities are open
to you, and these opportunities can offer a challenging career.
Opportunities found in civil drafting can be filled with variety and
excitement and can include CADD, surveying, construction, court-
house research, artistic interpretation, mapping, cartography, and
architectural drafting options. Civil drafting and mapping requires
accuracy, neatness, and an eye for creative and uncluttered layout.

Major Features

Civil Drafting Technology has these important features:

■ Numerous real-world illustrative examples that support text
content
■ Actual civil drafting examples used to illustrate chapter content
■ Civil drafting industry standards
■ Step-by-step layout methods
■ Civil drafting layout techniques
■ Current CADD applications
■ Practical and useful appendixes
■ Real-world industry problems

iii
 ■ Chapter tests for examination or review
■ Web site references
■ Introduction to types of maps
■ Civil drafting and mapping requirements
■ The U.S. National CADD Standard
■ CADD applications
■ Civil drafting and mapping scales
■ Civil drafting and mapping symbols
■ Measurement of distance and elevation
■ Surveying fundamentals
■ Identification and use of location and direction
■ Use and creation of legal descriptions
■ Plot plans and plats
■ Contour lines
■ Horizontal alignment layouts and profiles
■ Sections and details
■ Highway and site plan cut and fill layouts
■ Earthwork calculations
■ Civil engineering detail drawings
■ Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS)
Civil Drafting Technology provides a practical approach to drafting as
related to standards typically found in the civil engineering industry.
When you become a professional, this text can stay with you as a
valuable desk reference.

Computer-Aided Design and Drafting

Computer-aided design and drafting is presented throughout this

text. CADD topics include:
■ CADD software used in drafting and design
■ The U.S. National CADD Standard
■ CADD templates
■ Recommended CADD layers
■ CADD material requirements
■ Specific CADD applications
■ File management
■ Plotting guidelines
■ CADD menus and symbol libraries for specific civil engineering
drafting applications
■ Increased productivity with CADD
■ Reuse of drawing content with CADD
■ The CADD environment in industry
■ Ergonomics

Industry Approach to Problem Solving

Your responsibility as a drafter is to convert engineering sketches or

instructions to formal drawings. This text explains how to prepare
drawings from engineering sketches and information by providing

iv Preface
 basic guides for layout and arrangement in a knowledge-building
format. One concept is learned before the next is introduced.
Problem assignments are presented in order of difficulty at the
end of each chapter and throughout the text. The concepts and
skills learned in one chapter can be used in the next chapters, so
that by the end of the text, you have the ability to solve problems
using a multitude of skills learned previously through discussions,
examples, and activities. The problems are presented in a manner
that is consistent with the civil engineering environment. Some
problems are presented as layout sketches. It is not enough for you
to duplicate drawings from given assignments; you must be able to
think through the process of drafting development. The goals and
objectives of each problem assignment are consistent with recom-
mended evaluation criteria based on the progression of learning
activities.

Chapter Format

Each chapter provides realistic examples, illustrations, problems,

and related tests. The examples illustrate recommended drafting and
design presentation based on civil drafting standards, with actual
industry drawings used for reinforcement. The correlated text
explains drafting techniques and provides professional applications
for skill development. Layout methods provide a logical approach to
setting up and completing drafting problems. Each chapter has these
special features:

CADD applications: CADD applications are provided to illustrate

how the use of CADD is streamlining the civil engineering
design and drafting process.
Related tests: There is a content-related test at the end of
each chapter for examination or review. Tests provide a
variety of options, such as short-answer, multiple-choice,
true-and-false, and sketching questions to help you
understand chapter content. Answers to chapter test
questions can be provided manually by removing the
perforated pages for convenient use, or you can access the
Civil Drafting Technology Student Web site and follow the
instructions to answer the questions electronically.
Problems: Each chapter ends with real-world drafting
and design problems for you to practice what you have
learned. Problems vary from basic to complex. Problems
are presented as engineering sketches, engineering
layouts, written instructions, and actual industry projects.
You can use manual or computer-aided drafting,
depending on your course objectives. Advanced problems
are given for challenging applications or for use as team
projects.

Preface v
Civil Drafting Technology Companion Web Site

The Civil Drafting Technology Web site contains:

■ AutoCAD border and title block template drawings
■ AutoCAD symbol blocks for civil drafting
■ Base drawings for many of the drafting problems in the textbook
■ A chapter-by-chapter list of Internet Web site links
■ Microsoft Word files for all chapter tests and map reading
exercises
■ An optional final exam and final project

Suggested Course of Study

By studying Civil Drafting Technology and enrolling in a course in

which you can apply the concepts presented, you are providing your-
self with an excellent civil drafting foundation. If you are interested
in expanding your knowledge and skills in civil drafting and design,
you should enroll in advanced civil courses, surveying courses, or
courses that provide training in specialized civil design and drafting
software and geographic information systems (GIS). A wide variety
of civil engineering design, modeling, drafting, and GIS software is in
use today.
To access supplementary materials online, instructors need to
request an instructor access code. Go to www.pearsonhighered.
com/irc, where you can register for an instructor access code. Within
48 hours after registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that
provides an instructor access code. After you receive your code, go to
the site and log on for full instructions on downloading the materials
you want to use.

Professional Organizations

The following are some professional organizations related to civil

engineering and civil drafting:
■ American Design Drafting Association (ADDA), at www.adda.org
■ American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), at www.asce.org
■ American Institute of Architects (AIA), at www.aia.org

American Design Drafting Association (ADDA)–Approved Publication

The content of this text is considered a fundamental component to

the design drafting profession by the American Design Drafting
Association. This publication covers topics and related material, as
stated in the ADDA Curriculum Certification Standards and the

vi Preface
 ADDA Certified Drafter Examination Review Guide. Although this
publication is not conclusive with respect to ADDA standards, it
should be considered a key reference tool in pursuit of a professional
design-drafting career.

Special Note on the Seventh Edition

Advancements in technology have dramatically altered the manner in

which drawings and maps are created. Topographic data collection
has undergone a radical transformation in the past 25 years. Whereas
surveyors once measured and recorded terrain data mechanically
and manually, now the process is entirely digital, aided by satellites,
global positioning systems (GPS), infrared distance measurement,
and robotic surveying instruments. What once took three or four sur-
veyors hours or days to accomplish can now be completed by one or
two people in a fraction of the time.
Data collected by electronic methods can be transmitted to an
office and immediately downloaded into civil engineering computer-
aided design and drafting (CADD) software that displays the data in
the form of a digital terrain model (DTM). Once the model is in the
computer, designers and engineers can insert components of a new
design, such as roads or sewer lines, and immediately display the
new alignments in plan, elevation (profile) views, and even 3D
shaded images. In addition, the new terrain model can be linked to a
wide variety of information, such as database files of equipment
lists, digital images and videos, client and manufacturer Web sites,
and file transfer and storage Web sites for use by all parties involved
in a project.
Throughout this text, the authors discuss CADD applications and
current procedures and techniques. But it is important to note that
the focus of this textbook is not instruction in one specific brand of
software or one specific software product. Although specific software
products are mentioned, it is not imperative that the student use
those products to learn the materials presented in this book. Because
a large number of schools use AutoCAD, this product is mentioned
most often.
This edition has updated content to reflect current practices,
while retaining some of the traditional information as background.
Much manual drafting material has been eliminated, and new mate-
rial has been added on computer-aided drafting and civil engineer-
ing. In addition, some traditional surveying and drafting information
has been moved to the appendixes. Where necessary, the chapters
have been updated with discussions of current practices.
Students, instructors, and reviewers all provide valuable input to
the content and revisions of a book such as this. The authors wel-
come your comments and suggestions. Please direct your comments
to one of the editors at Pearson/Prentice Hall listed in the front of
the book.

Preface vii
Acknowledgments

Special thanks are extended to the professionals who provided com-

prehensive reviews of the text and assisted with new content:
Gary Rosen,
Carlson software
www.carlson.com and www.landnut.com
Salisbury, New Hampshire
Randy Stuart
Pacific Survey Supply
Wilsonville, Oregon
www.pacificsurvey.com
Special thanks to the following reviewers for their help with this new
edition: Charles Patrick, Morehead State University; and William
Bryan Fountain, Sauk Valley Community College.

David A. Madsen
Terence M. Shumaker
David P. Madsen

viii Preface
Contents

INTRODUCTION TO CIVIL DRAFTING TECHNOLOGY 1

Introduction to Civil Drafting 2
Chapter
1
Civil Engineering Companies 2
Schooling 3
Professional Organizations 4
National Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Standards 5
Workplace Ethics 5
Map Basics 6
Cartography 6
Types of Maps 8
Basic Civil Drafting Techniques 24

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND DRAFTING (CADD)

Introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting 38
Chapter
37 2
CADD Software Products for Civil Design and Drafting 38
The U.S. National CAD Standard 41
CADD Graphics 47
Additional CADD Fundamentals 54
CADD and the Internet 67
Ergonomics 67

MAP SCALES
Numerical Scale
75
76
Chapter
3
Graphic Scale 79
Verbal Scale 80
Scale Conversion 80
Civil Engineer’s Scale 82
Metric Scales 84
CADD Scales 86

ix
 MAP SYMBOLS
Types of Map Symbols
91
92
Chapter
4
Special Map Techniques 96
Drawing Map Symbols with CADD 97

MEASURING DISTANCE AND ELEVATION

Measuring Distance 106
105
Chapter
5
Measuring Elevation 107
Recording Measurements 113

SURVEYING FUNDAMENTALS
The Shape and Size of the Earth
125
126
Chapter
6
Types of Surveys 127
Angular Measurements 135
Traversing 135
Electronic Traversing 140
Global Navigation Satellite Systems 142
Raw Data and Coordinate Data: From Surveys to Drawings 143

LOCATION AND DIRECTION

Location 152
151
Chapter
7
Direction 159
Location and Direction on a Quadrangle Map 166
Map Geometry 168
Plotting Property Using Latitudes and Departures 173

LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS AND PLOT PLANS

Metes and Bounds 188
187
Chapter
8
Lot and Block 188
Rectangular System 189
Plot Plans 196
Sewage Disposal Methods 198
Utilities on the Plot Plan 203
Site Design Considerations 203

x Contents
 Rural Residential Fire Department Access and Site Planning 205
Property Line Layout 205
Steps in Site Plot Layout 208

CONTOUR LINES 229

Contour Line Characteristics 230
Chapter
9
Types of Contour Lines 235
Constructing Contour Lines from Field Notes 236
Plotting Contour Lines with a CADD System 247
Enlarging Maps in CADD 250
Digitizing and Scanning 251

HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT LAYOUT

Plan Layout 266
265
Chapter
10
Plan Layout with a CADD System 268

PROFILES 277
Profile Leveling with Traditional Methods 278
Chapter
11
Profile Leveling with CADD 281
Plan and Profile 281
Profile Layout—Vertical Curves 289
Profiles with CADD 291
Plan and Profiles with CADD 293

EARTHWORK 303
Highway Cut-and-Fill Layout—Traditional Method 304
Chapter
12
Highway Cut-and-Fill Layout with a CADD System 309
Cross Sections 309
Site Plan Cut-and-Fill Layout 312
Site Plan Cut-and-Fill Layout with a CADD System 314
Earthwork Calculations 315

Contents xi
 CIVIL ENGINEERING DETAIL DRAWINGS
Civil Engineering Drawing Disciplines 332
331
Chapter
13
Civil Engineering Drawing Standards 333
The Civil Engineering Drawing Process 334
Standard Details 339
Symbol Libraries 370
Checking Drawing Standards 372

INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

SYSTEMS (GIS) 377
Chapter
14
Introduction 378
History 381
GIS Software and Hardware 381
GIS Training 382
Related GIS Disciplines 382
Third-Party Applications 383
GIS Trends 383
GIS Concepts 384
GIS Comp0nents 386
Data Formats 387
GIS Applications 389
Introduction to GPS 394

APPENDIX A MEASURING DISTANCE 403

APPENDIX B PROFILES 407

APPENDIX C ENLARGING CONTOUR MAPS 411

GLOSSARY 413

ABBREVIATIONS 425

INDEX 427

xii Contents
Abbreviations

AB Anchor bolt CONC Concrete

ABDN Abandon CONN Connection
ABV Above CONST Construction
AC Asbestos cement, Asphaltic CONT Continue, Continuous
concrete CSO Combined sewerage outlet
ACI American Concrete Institute CSP Concrete sewer pipe
ADJ Adjacent, Adjustable CTR Center
AHR Anchor CYL Cylinder
AISC American Institute of Steel D Degree of curve
Construction D or DR Drain
ANSI American National Standards DIA Diameter
Institute DIAG Diagonal
APPROX Approximate DIR Direction
ASPH Asphalt DIST Distance
B&S Bell and Spigot DN Down
BETW Between DTM Digital terrain model
BKGD Background DWG Drawing
BL Base line EA Each
BLDG Building EDM Electronic distance meter
BLT Bolt EF Each face
BLW Below EL or ELEV Elevation
BM Beam, Bench mark EOP Edge of pavement
BOT Bottom EQL SP Equally spaced
BRG Bearing EQPT Equipment
BSMT Basement EVC End vertical curve
B/U Built up EW Each way
BV Butterfly valve EXP Expansion
BVC Begin vertical curve EXP JT Expansion joint
C TO C Center to center EXST Existing
CB Catch basin EXT Exterior, Extension
CCP Concrete cylinder pipe FCO Floor cleanout
CFM Cubic feet per minute FD Floor drain
CFS Cubic feet per second FDN Foundation
CI Cast iron FG Finish grade
CISP Cast iron soil pipe FL Floor, Floor line, Flow
CJ Construction joint FLL Flow line
CLG Ceiling FOC Face of concrete
CLR Clear, Clearance FPM Feet per minute
CMP Corrugated metal pipe FPS Feet per second
CMU Concrete masonry units FS Foresight
CO Cleanout FTG Footing
COL Column GN Grid north
GND Ground PRV Pressure reducing valve
GPM Gallon per minute PSIG Pounds per square inch, gauge
GPS Gallon per second PT Point of tangency
GPS Global positioning system PVC Polyvinyl chloride
GR or GRD Grade PVMT Pavement
GTV Gate valve R Radius curve
GVL Gravel RC Reinforced concrete
HB Hose bibb RCP Reinforced concrete pipe
HD Hub drain RD Rain drain, Roof drain
HDR Header REINF Reinforce
HGT Height REPL Replace
HI Height of instrument REQD Required
HORIZ Horizontal RMV Remove
ID Inside diameter RW Right of way
IE Invert elevation SCHED Schedule
IF Inside face SECT Section
IFS Intermediate foresight SH Sheet
IN Inch SPEC Specification
INFL Influent SQ Square
INSTL Installation STA Station
INTR Interior STL Steel
INVT Invert STR Straight
JT Joint STRUCT Structure
L Length of curve SUBMG Submerged
LATL Lateral SYMM Symmetrical
LONG Longitudinal T&B Top and bottom
MATL Material T&G Tongue and groove
MAX Maximum TBM Temporary bench mark
MH Manhole TC Top of concrete
MIN Minimum TD Tangent distance
MISC Miscellaneous TEMP Temporary
MN Magnetic north TF Top face
MON Monument THK Thick
MSL Mean sea level THKNS Thickness
NA Not applicable TIN Triangulated Irregular Network
NTS Not to scale TN True north
O TO O Out to out TO Top of
OC On center TOC Top of curb
OD Outside diameter TP Turning point
OF Outside face TRANSV Transverse
OPNG Opening TST Top of steel
OPP Opposite TW Top of wall
ORIG Original TYP Typical
PC Point of curve UTM Universal Transverse Mercator
PI Point of intersection VC Vertical curve
PL Plate, Property line VERT Vertical
PLG Piling W/ With
POB Point of beginning W/O Without
PP Piping WP Working point
PRC Point of reverse curve WS Water surface, Waterstop,
PRCST Precast Welded steel
PRESS Pressure
 CHAPTER

1
Key Terms
Introduction to Civil Civil drafting
Drafting Technology Civil engineering
Ethics
Intellectual property
Maps
Title block
Learning Objectives Cartography
Aeronautical chart
After completing this chapter, you will be able to: Contour lines
Cadastral map
■ Define civil drafting and civil engineering. Quadrangle map
■ Identify the purpose of civil engineering companies. Engineering map
■ Describe the schooling required to be a civil drafter. Geographical map
■ Define terms related to maps and civil drafting. Hydrologic map
■ Identify a variety of map types. Military map
■ Draw lines typically used in civil drafting. Nautical chart
■ Generate words using typical civil drafting text styles. Photogrammetric map
■ Create general and specific notes. Topographic map
■ Discuss workplace ethics. Planning map
■ Identify professional organizations. Digital elevation model (DEM)
■ Explain the purpose of intellectual property. Geologic map
Line work
Text
General notes
Field
Specific notes

1
Introduction to Civil Drafting

This chapter describes general civil drafting and map concepts.

Information about civil drafting and map drafting requirements and
employment opportunities is also covered.
Topics include:

■ Civil engineering companies

■ Schooling
■ Maps
■ Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)
■ Basic civil drafting techniques
■ Text
■ General and specific notes

Civil drafting is drafting performed for civil engineering projects.

Civil engineering is the branch of engineering relating to the design
and building of projects such as highways, bridges, waterworks, har-
bors, railroads, canals, and building sites. The land site or subdivision
upon which your house, condominium, or apartment is located was
probably designed and drafted by a civil engineering company.
Generally, anything that has to do with the design of the land for con-
struction projects involves civil drafting. While civil drafting also
involves designing and drafting structures such as bridges, this text-
book focuses on land-related projects such as roads and building
construction sites. For this reason, much of the content covers the
theory and drafting of maps and related applications.

Civil Engineering Companies

Civil engineering is the oldest form of engineering known, after mil-

itary engineering. It spans the surveying and alteration of the land,
to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of struc-
tures. A student wanting to become a civil engineer must complete
four or five years of college and graduate with a bachelor of engi-
neering or a bachelor of science degree. Students can specialize in
one of the wide variety of subdisciplines in the final years of study.
Students who desire to work as CADD drafters/designers for a civil
engineering firm should complete a one-year certificate or a two-
year associate of science degree, with studies in civil drafting and
geographic information systems (GIS).
Civil engineering companies are located nationwide in most
cities. Some of these companies specialize in certain aspects of the
industry, while others are quite diversified. The following is a list of
some of the tasks that civil engineering companies may take part in:
■ Land planning and subdivision
■ Transportation
■ Flood control
■ Irrigation and drainage

2 Chapter 1
 ■ Sewage and water treatment
■ Municipal improvements
■ Environmental studies
■ Land and construction surveys
■ Construction inspection
■ Refuse disposal
■ Map-making
■ Power plants
■ Hydrologic studies
■ Foundation work and soil analysis
■ Agribusiness
A complete directory of consulting engineers is available from
the American Council of Engineering Companies (www.acec.org).
Drafting salaries of workers at civil engineering firms are usually
competitive with those in other technologies. Working conditions
vary but are usually excellent. Companies have a wide range of
employee benefits. Check your local area regarding salary ranges
and schooling requirements for entry-level drafters. Areas of the
country differ in these concerns.

Schooling

Technical schools and community colleges throughout the United

States and Canada have drafting programs. Schools may provide a
specific drafting education in mechanical, architectural, civil, piping,
structural, technical illustration, sheet metal, or electrical drafting.
Other schools provide students with a more general CADD curricu-
lum that may have courses in a variety of drafting areas. Often, a
school focuses on the industry needs of the immediate area. The
best thing to do is to identify the school program that will best serve
your specific goals. Civil drafting is offered in many technical schools
and community colleges.
Your specific goals in civil drafting may include learning one of
several available CADD software programs. Most, if not all, technical
schools and community colleges offer CADD classes in conjunction
with drafting classes, and some places of employment provide addi-
tional industry- or company-specific CADD instruction to their
employees who do drafting. While drafting with the aid of a computer
is a skill in itself, your sound background and competence in essential
drafting knowledge, technique, and standards are necessary to your
success as a CADD operator. It is preferable that you combine drafting
theory with your studies of CADD so that basic drafting skills are not
overlooked. Therefore, if you are interested in civil drafting as a
career, in addition to learning CADD, your schooling should include
the development of some of these fundamental skills:
■ Drafting theory and national standards
■ Sketching techniques and skills
■ Use of bearings and azimuths
■ Use of the engineer’s scale

Introduction to Civil Drafting Technology 3

 ■ Scale conversion
■ Conversion of surveying field notes
■ Drawing of contour lines
■ Use of mapping symbols
■ Interpretation of legal descriptions
■ Preparation of a plat and site plan
■ Development of plans and profiles
■ Layout of highways, centerlines, curves, and delta angles
■ Drawing of cuts and fills
■ Basic use and knowledge of surveying equipment
■ Math through basic trigonometry

Professional Organizations

The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA), www.adda.org,

is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the advance-
ment of design and drafting. The ADDA sponsors the following pro-
grams and activities for the design drafting profession:

■ Leadership
■ Curriculum certification
■ Student chapters
■ National design drafting conference and contest
■ Drafting examination review
■ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook
as a free download
■ Employment center
■ Drafter certification program
According to the ADDA Web site, Drafter Certification (CD) is
an international program that allows drafters to indicate
their knowledge of drafting concepts and internationally
recognized standards and practices. ADDA developed the
examination to elevate an individual’s comprehension of
the professional standards related to design drafting.
Certification allows drafters to demonstrate professional
capabilities and helps employers in identifying quality
employees. The test does not cover software specific to
CADD.
The ADDA Drafter Certification Examination is open to all
individuals, regardless of experience and formal
education. Membership in the ADDA is not required to
take the test or become certified.
Becoming a Certified Drafter reflects your proven knowledge
of drafting. Certification enhances your credibility as a
professional, improves your opportunities for promotion
and pay increases, and gives you a competitive edge in a
highly technical job market.
When employers hire an ADDA Certified Drafter, they know
that the new employee meets certification criteria and has
demonstrated initiative and pride in the profession by
becoming certified. Thus, certification can serve as one

4 Chapter 1
 criterion for differentiating among candidates in the
selection process. Certification serves educators as a
supplementary measurement of a student’s performance
on a nationally recognized level.
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), www.
acec.org, is a national organization devoted to the business and sup-
port of engineering companies.
The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), www.
asee.org, is a nonprofit member association dedicated to promoting
and improving engineering and technology education.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), www.asce.org,
is a professional organization that provides important value to
members, member careers, partners, and the public by developing
leadership, advancing technology, advocating lifelong learning, and
promoting the civil engineering profession.

National Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Standards

Two CADD Standards are recognized nationally. The National Council

for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM) publishes the Computer-
Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Skill Standards. This publication
provides the skills needed for beginner CADD users. While this stan-
dard is not related specifically to civil drafting, it contains valuable
content for beginning CADD drafters, professionals, and educators.
The NACFAM Web site is www.nacfam.org.
The U.S. National CAD Standard was created by The CADD/GIS
Technology Center, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the U.S. Coast Guard, the
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association
(SMACNA), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Facilities Information
Council. This standard is related to the drafting done for architecture,
engineering, and construction, of which civil drafting is a part. This
standard is discussed in detail in Chapter 2. The NIBS Web site is
http://nibs.org. The U.S. National CAD Standard Web site is www.
nationalcadstandard.org.

Workplace Ethics

Ethics are the rules and principles that define right and wrong con-
duct. A code of ethics is a formal document that states an organiza-
tion’s values and the rules and principles that employees are
expected to follow. In general, codes of ethics contain these main
elements:
■ Be dependable
■ Obey the laws
■ Be honest
■ Have integrity
■ Treat others with respect

Introduction to Civil Drafting Technology 5

 ■ Build teamwork through trust
■ Be a good citizen
■ Have good customer relations

Intellectual Property Rights

The success of a company often relies on the integrity of its employ-
ees. Products are often the result of years of research, engineering,
and development. This is referred to as the intellectual property of
the company. Protection of intellectual property can be critical to the
success of the company in a competitive economy. This is one rea-
son why it is very important for employees to help protect design
ideas and trade secrets. You will often find proprietary notes on
drawings that inform employees and communicate to the outside
world that the information contained in the drawing is the property
of the company and cannot be used by others without permission.

Map Basics

Maps are defined as graphic representations of part or all of earth’s

surface, drawn to scale on a plane surface. Constructed and natural
features can be shown by using lines, symbols, and colors. Maps
have many different purposes, depending on their intended usage. A
map can accurately provide distances, locations, elevations, best
routes, terrain features, and much more.
There are hundreds of different types of maps. Some maps are
used to show construction sites for new homes or commercial
projects, while other maps show the geography of the world. Civil
engineering companies primarily prepare maps that fall into the first
category, which include construction site plans and maps relating to
the civil projects previously described. The chapters covered in this
textbook provide you with basic information to continue a more
in-depth study or on-the-job training of mapping and civil drafting.
Some maps, such as aeronautical and nautical maps, are more
commonly referred to as charts. This distinction is shown in the
following discussion about types of maps.

Map Title Block and Legend

When you use or read a map, the first place to look is the title block
and legend. The information given here will tell immediately if you
have the correct map. Other valuable information about map scales,
symbols, compass direction, and special notes will also be given.
Figure 1–1 provides examples of various title block and legend data.

Cartography

Cartography is the art of making maps and charts. A cartographer is

a highly skilled professional who designs and draws maps.
Cartography is considered an art. The cartographer is a master in the

6 Chapter 1
 SOUTH
SEATTLE NORTH

LEGEND

AIRPORTS

ADDITIONAL AIRPORT INFORMATION

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Figure 1–1. A variety of map title block and legend information examples.
(a. Courtesy of National Aeronautical Charting Office, Federal Aviation Administration, www.naco.faa.gov; c. Courtesy
of U.S. Geological Survey, www.usgs.gov)

Introduction to Civil Drafting Technology 7

 use of a variety of graphic media, computer software, mechanical
and digital lettering methods, and artistic illustration.
Civil drafting and cartography are quite similar in that both pro-
fessions deal with the making of maps. However, civil drafting is gen-
erally concerned with maps and plans for construction and other
civil-related projects. Cartography requires that the technician use
more graphic skills in the preparation of printed documents and
maps. Often the job title “cartographer” requires four years of educa-
tion, with emphasis on civil engineering, geography, navigation,
optics, geodesy, digital imaging, and cartography.

Types of Maps

Aeronautical Charts
Aeronautical charts are used as an aid to air travel. These charts indi-
cate important features of land, such as mountains and outstanding
landmarks (see Figure 1–2). Commonly prepared in color and with

Figure 1–2. A typical aeronautical chart.

(Courtesy of National Aeronautical Charting Office, Federal Aviation Administration, www.naco.faa.gov)

8 Chapter 1
 relief-shading methods, aeronautical charts are a very descriptive rep-
resentation of a portion of the earth’s surface. Contour lines are often
provided with 200- to 1000-ft intervals. Contour lines are discussed in
detail in Chapter 9 and covered in other chapters as related to the
specific content. Aeronautical charts provide a comprehensive
amount of information regarding air routes, airport locations, types of
air traffic, radio aids to navigation, and maximum elevation of fea-
tures. Look at Figure 1–2, and you can see all the detail shown in an
aeronautical chart.

Cadastral Maps
Cadastral maps are large-scale maps that accurately show the features
in a city or town. These types of maps are often used for city develop-
ment, operation, and taxation. Figure 1–3 provides an example of a
cadastral map.

Quadrangle Maps
A quadrangle map is a type of cadastral map that shows the division
of land into grids known as sections. This type of map, shown in
Figure 1–4, is used in the rectangular survey system discussed in
Chapter 8.

Engineering Maps
Construction projects of all kinds are detailed to show the complete
layout in an engineering map. The information provided on engi-
neering maps can include:
■ Property lines and boundary information
■ Existing and proposed structures
■ Roads
■ Parking areas
■ Drainage ways
■ Utilities, such as sewer, water, electrical, and gas
■ Landscape layout
■ Contour lines
■ Dimensions for location and sizes
Figure 1–5 provides two examples of civil engineering maps.
Engineering maps can also include plats. Plats are carefully sur-
veyed and detailed maps of construction projects such as the subdi-
vision with building lots as shown in Figure 1–6. The engineering
map of an individual construction site is called a plot or site plan. An
example of a residential site plan is shown in Figure 1–7. Plats and
site plans are discussed in detail in Chapter 8.

Geographical Maps
Geographical maps are usually prepared at a small scale. These
maps commonly show large areas of the earth, depicting continents,

Introduction to Civil Drafting Technology 9

 N. 24.86'
32.87'
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149.49'
N.E. WEIDLER ST.
4
100'
9 3 2 1

10'
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10'
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100.02'
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83.19
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VANCOUVER
12 R=10' 8

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100

78.50'
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155.03'
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8
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360.21'
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192.06' 212 6 80'
73.98' 7 4
3 5
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50'

50'
7 600 10

50'
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191.69'

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ST.)

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N.W
200 10' 10'
29

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20
53.4'
100' 100'

VAC.
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318

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100'
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100' 100'
100' 100'
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60'

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50'
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50'

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7 179.0 10
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50'

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400

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110' 3 1

50'
375
ST.)

50'
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60'

VAC. 25 8 10'
230' 11.78'
7 800
50'
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2
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46.54'

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4

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50'
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50'

53.88'
50'
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50'
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91.30'
50'

50'
50'

6 1900
9TH

50'
50'

319.07'
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50'

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60'

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50'

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50'

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50'

2
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50'

2100
PARK

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LA
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50'
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50'

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2200 -
50'

124.5
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90.79'

50'
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54
50'

50'
192.6

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50'
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1
50'

50'

3'
2000
50'

50'
2200M1 1 1 2 3 7' 1020
50'

2 7 1' 3 3 6 3
14
50'

SE
100' 6
50'

U.S.
100' 4 183.8

50'
100' 2 1 6 3 6
100' 2400

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100' 2 100' 1 5 4 6 3 6 100'
2 100' 1 100'
4 3 6
100' 1100' 5

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2 4

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23' 4 5 5 100'
23' 4 5 2201

50'
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(N

50'
VAC. 200 23.83'

50'
VAC. 7

50'
2' 6

50'
ST.)

50'
5
60'

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50'
41.67'
1
MARSHALL
241.3 R=188'
(M) 4 4 4 10'
60'

VAC. 100'
5

50'
(PARK)

(N.W. 1.25' 100'

WAY
100'
119.69' ' 10'

TIO
31.16' 100'
97.84' 128.14' 60.22' 100' 70.10
56.37' 5

50'
11' 100'

D
34.65'

35.01
STA
100'

70'
100' 8
100'
318 5 6
194.37'

'

RG
N.E.
100' 100'
100' 65.10' 2202

FIRST
50'
100' 17'
100' 2

MULTNOMAH
2

60'

60'
100'
50'

ST.

60'
100' (138') 2.50'

60'
59.93

U.S. HWY 99E

50'

100'

ST.
50'

AVE.
100'
50'

84.44'
50'

35.01
1
50'
50'

.C
50'

8 8 100' 37.34'
50'

'
100'

60'
50'

100'
50'

7 5
N.W.

N.W.
50'

8 1

99
7 4
N.W.

2300 6
N.W.

32.81
8 5 2 R=20'

E8
7 100'

'
7 8 300 108.6 3 IN ST. 100' 100'
N.W.

8 26.48'
7 189 7'
5
100'

47
SUR. 100' 100'

W
35'
188
147.10'

70'

50'
60' 100' 65' 100'
50'

50'
151.62
187
50'

50'

50'
50'
50'

123.4
186 10'
50'

10'
3

50'
50'

13
80' 128' R=20' 60'
50'

195 9' -
50'

50'

50'
64.45
50'

+0
6