Can mechanical drawings and symbols be shown in plan and elevation views?

• A. Only on plans
• B. No
• C. Yes
• D. Only on elevations

Answer: (C)

In mechanical drawings, plan and elevation are two of the standard orthographic views used to describe a part. Symbols and callouts are not limited to one view; they can be shown in plan or in elevation as needed to convey manufacturing and inspection information clearly.

Think of it this way: the plan view gives you the layout from the top, while the elevation shows what you’d see from the front (or side). Some features are best understood or specified in one view, and others in another. For example, a hole’s size and depth can be specified in the plan view, while a surface finish symbol or a weld detail might be shown in the elevation where it’s most directly associated with the feature. By allowing symbols to appear in either or both views, the drawing communicates all requirements unambiguously.

So, yes, mechanical drawings and symbols can be shown in plan and elevation views.