AS 1100.101-1992 is more than just a historical document; it is the active, binding rulebook for technical drawing in Australia. It dictates the language of design and engineering, from the thickness of a line to the method of projection. For students, it is a key learning objective. For professionals, it is a mandatory code of practice. While a new revision is pending, this standard remains the definitive guide for ensuring that Australian technical drawings are clear, consistent, and universally understood.
The standard mandates the use of as the default for Australia. This is critical. In the US and Australia, we use Third Angle. In Europe, they use First Angle.
This is where AS 1100.101 gets strict. The PDF dictates that dimension figures must be placed the dimension line (not broken into it, as in some European standards).
AS 1100.101-1992 provides the foundational standards for technical drawing and engineering documentation across Australia and New Zealand, aligning local practices with international ISO benchmarks. It outlines specific requirements for sheet layout, line types, projection methods (notably Third-Angle), and dimensioning to ensure clarity in engineering communication. For more details, visit Standards Australia . Share public link
The standard covers the general principles for technical drawing, including:
As the "parent" document of the AS 1100 series, it provides the general rules that are then applied specifically by subsequent parts, such as AS 1100.201 for Mechanical Engineering drawing or AS 1100.301 for Architectural drawing. Because it forms the basis of so many other standards, a working knowledge of AS 1100.101 is mandatory for anyone studying drafting, engineering, or design in Australia.
The influence of AS 1100.101 extends far beyond the drafting office. It is deeply embedded in Australia's vocational and engineering education system. Training competencies like MEM30032A - Produce basic engineering drawings and MEM09204A - Produce Basic Engineering Detail drawings explicitly require drawings to be completed "to Australian Standard (AS) 1100.101-1992". For a professional engineer, architect, or surveyor, adhering to this standard is not optional but a core professional requirement. A drawing that does not follow these rules is considered non-compliant and can be rejected, leading to significant project delays.