Section 8,

Recording Historic Structures and Sites

with HABS Measured Drawings

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8.0.0  COMPLETING THE SET

8.1.0  Title blocks
8.2.0  Location map
8.3.0  The UTM Grid system
8.4.0  Materials list

8.1.0  TITLE BLOCKS

8.1.1  All drawings are filed and retrieved by the information found in the title block; it is imperative that this information be correct.  (The following guidelines apply to HABS-sponsored projects and to those recorders intending to submit their work to the Library of Congress through HABS.  All others should obtain guidelines from their own sponsors.)

The left block should contain the project name and year.  The name and location of structure block should include the historic name followed by any secondary names in parentheses, centered, and inked with the 240 Leroy template.  If possible, provide a numbered street or road address.  If a road is numbered rather than named, indicate whether it is Federal, State or County.  If a structure does not have a specific address, indicate the nearest roads or geographic features. Rural structures should be located according to the nearest town followed by the word "VICINITY."  Independent cities (frequently found in Virginia, for example) should be indicated with the words "INDEPENDENT CITY" enclosed in parentheses.  Finally, include the city or town, county/parish (with the words "COUNTY" or "PARISH") and state. 

The survey number may be inked in if known; the Library of Congress index number is to be left blank.  The name of the delineator(s) is inked above and to the left of the title block, followed by the year.  The delineators' names and all title block items except the structure or site name is to be inked with a 120 template.

The order for numbering sheets is:

1) title sheet
2) site plans
3) plans (basement to attic)
4) elevations (front, then counter clockwise)
5) sections
6) exterior details
7) interior details
8) axonometrics
9) construction history

8.2.0  LOCATION  MAP

8.2.1  The location map is drawn on the title sheet or with the site plan.  It should be traced from a USGS 7-1/2' quadrangle map and must include the town used in the address, as well as Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid ticks along each edge of the map.  Label all UTM grid ticks.  Auxiliary information to the location map includes the quad name and date, ratio scale, mile and kilometer scales, north arrow, and UTM coordinates for the site (UTM:  zone.easting.northing).  Because not all of the country is covered by 7-1/2' quad maps, 15' or other maps may be substituted.  Credit the map source on the drawing.
 

8.3.0  THE UTM GRID SYSTEM

8.3.1  The UTM Grid system provides an accurate method for recording the geographic location of a historic site; the coordinates are used in a computerized data retrieval system, and must be accurate.  The UTM grid location of a site can be found on a USGS quadrangle map that has the blue UTM grid tick marks along its edges.  Most USGS quadrangles published since 1950, and all published since 1959, regardless of scale, have these ticks.

In the UTM system, the earth is divided into 60 "zones," each six degrees wide, running north and south.  Most of the United States is included in zones 10 through 19.  Zones are numbered beginning at the 180º meridian near the International Date Line.  On a map, each zone is flattened, and a square grid is superimposed upon it.

The grid is marked off in meters; any point in the zone may be referenced by citing its zone number, its distance in meters from the Equator ("northing") and its distance in meters from a longitudinal reference line ("easting").  These three figures comprise the complete "UTM grid reference" for any point, and distinguish it from every other point on earth.

8.3.2  The simplest method of determining a UTM reference requires drawing part of the UTM grid on the map, and measuring from the grid lines to the point.  The following tools are required:

1)  A UTM coordinate counter (available from the United States Geodetic Survey in Reston, Virginia);

2)  an ink pen for marking reference points;

3)  a very sharp pencil;

4)  a straightedge (rather than a ruler, which may not be quite straight) long enough to span the entire map--generally about 36" long;

5)  a flat work surface large enough to accommodate the entire map.

1)  Draw a line from the top of the map to the bottom, connecting the blue UTM ticks directly west of the point, i.e., with the highest easting value less than that of the point.

2)  Draw a line from the left to the right side of the map, connecting the grid ticks directly south of the point, i.e., with the highest northing value below the point.

3)  Copy the zone number onto a work sheet; this number can be found below the title of the quadrant;

4)  Copy onto a work sheet the portions of the easting and northing values given with the map ticks through which the lines have been drawn.

5)  On the coordinate counter, locate the scale that matches that of the map.  Align the counter on the map so that:

a.  the side of the scale that reads from right to left lies  along the east-west line, and

b.  the side of the scale that reads from left to right passes directly through the point.

c.  Check the alignment to be sure that it is precise.

6)  Read the coordinate counter scales, right to left for easting, upward for northing.  Enter the measured values onto the form. 

7)  Check the figures for plausibility and for correct placement of the decimal.  Check the figures for accuracy by remeasuring.  Observe the correct order:  zone number, easting, northing (Z, E, N), and the number of digits  (Figure 8.2).

Figure 8.2:  Arrows indicate direction of UTM calculation form easting and northing tick marks closest to the site.  Note that the tick marks are NOT parallel to the edge of the sheet!

8.4.0  MATERIALS LIST

8.4.1  Materials lists are indespensible aids in interpreting measured drawings.  If the use of materials is consistent throughout the structure, the list should appear on or near the title sheet and include structural, finish and ornamental materials.  When materials change from floor to floor or elevation to elevation, those changes should be noted on the appropriate sheets.  Door, window and detail sheets may have their own lists.  The names and composition of materials should be verified before committing them to ink.