13
Exercise 3
Measuring with Architects’
and Engineers’ Scales
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this exercise is to properly use architects’
and engineers’ scales to measure lines.
INTRODUCTION
When working with landscape plans it will be necessary
to measure the lines, shapes, and other elements of a
design. Because construction plans cannot be drawn
life-size, they must be reduced to fit on a sheet of paper
using a standard set of conversion measurements. These
measurements are called scales.
drawing scales available, two types of measuring scales
are typically used: an architect’s scale and an engineer’s
scale. The architect’s scale includes divisions and mark–
ings for drawing scales that use fractions. The engineer’s
Measurement Using
an Architect’s Scale
Measurement of a landscape drawing with an architect’s
scale can be somewhat confusing, as every edge of the
scale has two scales: one running from left to right, the
other running in the opposite direction. The instructions
that follow assume that measurements are being made on
a scale running left to right, but can be modified easily for
use on a scale running right to left.
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14 Exercise 3 Measuring with Architects’ and Engineers’ Scales
depending on the accuracy of the scale. The inch
portion of the scale always contains 1 foot divided
into proportional segments.
Measurement Using
an Engineer’s Scale
Measurement of a landscape drawing with an engineer’s
scale should follow these steps:
• Read the markings along the scale to determine
line length. Each mark on an engineer’s scale
represents 1 foot. On an engineer’s scale, inches
can only be estimated based on where the line
ends between marks.
PREREQUISITE EXERCISES
Students should have successfully completed Exercise1,
Measuring lines with architect’s scale:
1. Select scale that matches drawing
2. Place one end of line in inch measurement
area. Adjust to the left or right until one end
is in inch measurement area and other
end of line matches a foot measurement
3. Read foot and inch measurement
Measuring lines with engineer’s scale:
1. Select scale that matches drawing
2. Set scale with 0 at one end of line
3. Read marks at opposite end of line to
obtain line length
46 44 42
10 01/2
048
10
012
58
56
54
52
0
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Exercise 3 Measuring with Architects’ and Engineers’ Scales 15
Scale: Measurement:
1⁄8” = 1′ _________________________
1⁄8” = 1′ __________________________________________
1⁄8” = 1′ ___________
1″ = 10′ _________
1″ = 10′ _____________________________
1″ = 10′ ______________________________________________________
1″ = 20′ _______
1″ = 20′ __________________
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