Engineering drawing is a two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional objects. In general, it
provides necessary information about the shape, size, surface quality, material, manufacturing process,
etc., of the object. It is the graphic language from which a trained person can visualize objects.
Drawings prepared in one country may be utilized in any other country irrespective of the
language spoken. Hence, engineering drawing is called the universal language of engineers. Any
language to be communicative should follow certain rules so that it conveys the same meaning to
everyone. Similarly, drawing practice must follow certain rules, if it is to serve as a means of
communication. For this purpose, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) adapted the International
Standards on code of practice for drawing. The other foreign standards are DIN of Germany, BS
of Britain, and ANSI of America.

1.2 Role of Engineering Drawing
The ability to read drawing is the most important requirement of all technical people in any profession.
As compared to verbal or written descriptions, this method is brief and more clear. Some of the
applications are building drawing for civil engineers, machine drawings for mechanical engineers,
circuit diagrams for electrical and electronics engineers, and computer graphics for one and all.
The subject in general is designed to impart the following skills.
1. Ability to read and prepare engineering drawings.
2. Ability to make free-hand sketching of objects.
3. Power to imagine, analyze and communicate, and
4. Capacity to understand other subjects: