Because of the small scale used in most drawings, standard graphic symbols are used to present complete information concerning construction items and materials. These typical symbols are used so frequently in construction drawings that their meanings must be familiar not only to the preparer, but to the user as well. The main information sources for a particular symbol are the Military (Drawing) Standards (MIL-STD) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Refer to these standards before you use other References. Listed below are some of the most commonly used military standards and the particular symbols they carry.

Sometimes you may notice that other symbols are not included in any of the standards mentioned earlier. These symbols, like the ones shown in figure 10-6, can be found in one of the military handbooks developed by NAV-FACENGCOM for project drawings. As an EA, you will find that your knowledge of applicable symbols will greatly assist you in accomplishing the job correctly and promptly, and, above all, with confidence. Some of the basic architectural and welding symbols are shown in figures 10-7 through 10-10. Other types of symbols are shown in the appendix section of this book.

NOTES are brief, clear, and explicit statements regarding material use and finish and

construction methods. Notes in a construction drawing are classified as specific and general. SPECIFIC notes are used either to reflect dimensioning information on the drawing or to be explanatory. As a means of saving space, many of the terms used in this type of notes are often expressed as abbreviations.