Technical drawing
Technical drawing is the creation of precise diagrams and plans that show how to build or construct something, or how it functions. Engineers, electricians, contractors and other related professionals use these drawings in areas such as:
Architectural
Architectural drawings show the detailed features of buildings. They may include replications of buildings that already exist, modifications for redesigns or plans to create brand new structures. Architectural drawings are extremely detailed and show every aspect of construction to help visualize the ideas and concepts that go into a build. Using an architectural drawing may help planners and construction teams decide on the type of labor and supplies they need for a certain job.
Automotive
Automotive technical drawings act as blueprints to show the mechanics of a motor vehicle. They often include all moving parts and show how each one interconnects with the next. Automotive drawings may show the vehicle as a whole or a specific part, like the engine.
Electrical
Electrical drawings show the components of an electrical system of an item, such as the wiring, power sources and lighting. They may also include information about voltage and capacity. Electrical drawings use lines, colors and basic shapes to create a clear blueprint.
Engineering
Engineering drawings define the requirements needed to produce an engineering product. Professionals use them like technical manuals to troubleshoot their tools and find flaws in mechanical designs to make them work better or more efficiently. Engineers use mathematical equations to ensure that the highly detailed plans show accurate depictions of each element.
Plumbing
Plumbing drawings show the systems that bring water into an area and remove waste. Elements may include water supply lines, vent pipes, valves, drains and fixtures. Plumbers use a variety of industry-created symbols to show the correct items. Like electrical drawings, plumbing drawings use many straight and curved lines. While they show much detail in their content, these types of drawings often lack elements like color and shading.
Structural
Structural drawings are like architectural drawings, but they focus on load-carrying members of a structure, like beams or walls, rather than details like surface finishes or mechanical systems. They look like blueprints or other plans rather than a traditional artistic drawing. Structural designers use math and science to calculate the most accurate proportions of included items to ensure proper stability and construction.