Security - Adobe Acrobat and PDF for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction - page 122

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Security

Maintaining the integrity and security of engineering drawings is a major concern to all parties involved in
a project. The fear of unauthorized changes to a drawing made after issue has made many an engineer lose
sleep.
Architecture and engineering law requires that drawings be sealed and signed by the engineer in charge
of producing the drawings. In the digital world, an image of a seal and a signature is simply an image;
anyone with a simple scanner can easily scan and reuse such an image for a set of plans.

Regulations Covering Electronic Documents

Many authorities and regulating bodies have issued requirements for electronic drawings. One of the best
examples we have found of requirements for electronic drawings are the Regulations of the Board For
Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers & Landscape Architects of
Virginia. These regulations were developed in conjunction with the Navy Facilities Engineering Command
(NAFAC) in Norfolk, Virginia: NAFAC has an excellent implementation of PDF in AEC.

18 VAC 10-20-760. Use of seal

The pertinent section of the Virginia Regulations follows: 6

B.1 . a. An electronic seal, signature and date is permitted to be used in lieu of an original seal,
signature and date when the following criteria, and all other requirements of this section, are
met:

1. It is a unique identification of the professional;

2. It is verifiable;

3. It is under the professional's direct and sole control;

6 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (2002) STATUTES, Title 54.1, Chapter 4,
Excerpts from Title 13.1 pp. 48 - 49

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