Reference Plan and Match Lines

standard drawing sheet size, while a residential backyard having dimensions of 75 by 120 feet could be drawn at 10 or 20 scale. In the case of the golf course, two sets of drawing scales might be used: an overall general plan layout of the course at 100 scale with a minimum of detail, then several drawings representing portions of the golf course drawn at 20 or 40 scale so that required detail and accuracy are possible. Individual greens that require considerably more detailed grading information might be drawn at 10 or 20 scale. When a project—such as a golf course—is subdivided into a number of plans, a referencing system is required to ensure that the information of one plan can be seen in relation to adjacent portions of the project.

The decision as to which scale should be used when preparing to draw a plan or detail considers several factors: the size of the project area, the complexity of the designed elements, and the level of detail required to communicate the design intent to contractors. At an early phase of the design process—when drawings are made to inform the client and gain approval to proceed in the design development and contract document phases—a scale might be different than the ones used in subsequent work phases. As a general practice, an attempt is made for all the major plan drawings to be drawn at the same scale. This depends on the areal size of the project site and the level of design detail required. The drawings might include: site demolition, grading, staking and layout, planting, irrigation, lighting, and other construction components.

The reference plan showing the project subdivided into individual smaller areas is shown in Figure 5.2. The reference plan might be drawn at 50 or 100 scale, with the individual subplans drawn at 20, 30, or 40 scale. Notice the darker lines outlining each sheet beginning with L3–01 thru L3–14. The dark lines “match lines” that are used to make the locational relation between each individual sheet visually apparent. Each subsheet from the reference plan is contained within the system

of match lines. While there might be some overlap of the sheets, this is done to assist the contractor to coordinate the work shown in adjoining sheets. A minimum of detailed information should be included within the overlapping areas. It is advisable to avoid significant overlap to avoid information conflicts or discrepancies. Each subplan is assigned a sheet number (for instance L3–01). If the subject is landscape and the plan is divided into five areas, then the subplans might be identified as Sheet L-1 through L-5. If the subject is grading and the same subdivisions are used as in the landscape plan, then the grading sheets might be identified as Sheet G-1 through G-5.

Figure 5.2 Sample plan with match lines as dark lines defining each plan sheet beginning with sheet L3–01

Courtesy of desiGn Workshop, denVer, Co: dW doCuMentAtion: stAndArds And best prACtiCes, p. 61

Many areas have been mapped at different scales. The most important consideration in choosing a map is its intended use. A city public works engineer, for instance, may need a very detailed map to locate precise sewer lines, power and water lines, and streets. A commonly used scale for this purpose is 1:600, or one inch equals 600 inches (600˝ / 12˝ = 50 scale, where 1 inch on the map represents 50 feet on the ground). This