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How to Read Engineering Maps

A map that is developed for a building or structure is referred to as a blueprint. A blueprint is a sketch or schematic that details the design and function of a structure. It can be confusing to interpret without the knowledge of how to read this type of document. Learning the various symbols and what they mean will allow you to read an engineering map.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the scale that the engineering map has been set, such as 1/8 to 1/4 scale. The scale is the size of the building or structure compared to the map. A building for a 1/8 scale map is eight times as big as the map.
- 2
  Learn the various symbols that are used to depict objects in the map. For example, an "X" surrounded by a square indicates the location of a shower. If an "X" is in a rectangle it indicates a window.
- 3
  Look for a number circled on the document. This indicates that there is another page with a more detailed drawing.
- 4
  Make a note of any abbreviations that are used on the map. These are typically used to depict a unit of measurement such as "DP" for depth and "DIA" for diameter.

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