Understanding Line Types 49
Break Lines.
These are fine straight lines with zig-zag-zig offsets to show a break or termination of a partial view or
to omit portions of an object. Architects frequently use break lines to eliminate unimportant portions of
details, thus allowing the important portions to be made larger. They are also used on detail and assem-
bly drawings. Small break lines are often fine, ragged lines.
A straight, thin line made with freehand zigzags is used for long breaks, a thick freehand line for short
breaks, and a jagged line for wood parts. Special breaks may be used to show cylindrical and tubular
parts and to indicate that an end view is not shown; otherwise, the thick break line is typically used. The
type of break line normally associated with architectural drafting is the long break line. Break lines are
used to terminate features on a drawing when the extent of the feature has been clearly defined.
Contour Lines.
These are fine lines that are used mainly to delineate variations in a site’s elevation. If a site is fairly level,
there will be few if any contour lines on the drawing, whereas if it has a significant slope, it is likely that
the plot plan will show a number of contour lines. Sometimes a model is used to depict the topography
of a site (Figure 3.11).
Property Lines.
Property lines define the boundaries of a property. These lines are normally heavier than other lines on
site or plot plans.
Figure 3.8C Example of a leader line terminating with a dot.