Engineering graphics: semiotic aspects

Engineering and technology students learn to perform the engineering drawing (graphic representation) as reflection of an existing object or geometric structure of a future object. The basic course in this field of teaching is Engineering Graphics, which can be divided into two parts: understanding of logical development of concepts, and application of these concepts to practical situations. In other terms, the course deals with geometrical variables in logical relationships as well as with graphic variables (semiotic tools) i.e. the system of sign representing icons, indexes and symbols, both being properties of the universe [1]. In our treatment of the semiotic (graphic) drawing we proceed from Peirce s model of the sign and from the triadic model of symbolic representation [2].