CAD Standards discussion

[nnutting]

So I've probably taken on a bit more than I can chew...

I started in a new company in October. I went from a company that had all kinds of shortcuts to a company that uses CAD straight out of the box.

 

So...I decided along with proposing a new layer standards solely based on the AIA Standard system, I would also write a CAD Standards Manual. Sounds simple enough right? Well...as most of you know...not the case.

 

So...my first question up for discussion is:

 

I would like to propose to have all sheet notations in paper space. This would include, among other things, keynotes, references, and dimenions.

 

Thoughts? Comments?

[Dadgad]

Two schools of thought on this one, both valid.

Personally I think putting the sheet, dimensions and notes in paperspace works best for me.

There is no RIGHT way to do it, you certainly want to establish a standard to be used, as you and your new coworkers

are all pulling oars in the same boat.

[nnutting]

The only argument I've received so far from coworkers that I've spoken to about this is: "If I move the drawing in model space, I have to then move the notations in paper space."

 

Valid argument...but why would you ever need to move anything in model space as long as you keep inserting the xrefs in the correct spot? AND...for what reason would you need to move anything in model space on a plot sheet?

 

sorry...venting a little...working in a company where there is no standard and there is no "CAD Manager" is a little challenging...

[Dadgad]

As long as the viewport scale is not changed at the same time it is a very simple matter to realign the dims and text (in a single move operation) to the model. Use the node snap to facilitate reconnecting dimensions.

[tzframpton]

If I was told that we were going mandatory dims in Paperspace, I'd be the first one to go on strike. You have to really think that one through. Dims in paperspace isn't always the best choice at all. It's good for some industries, or a certain type of drafting, but at my company it's simply not even a thought to go pspace for dims. Good layer control and Layer Properties Filters is about the only real way to handle it effectively in vanilla AutoCAD for us.

[BIGAL]

They shoot cad operators dimensioning model space in paperspace dont they ? my $2.00 worth price of a bullet.

 

Make it a 100% rule and like Stykface concentrate on layer control.

[samchums26]

I agree with stykface...hehehe

[Blackfish]

I do dims in model space and agree in general with StykFacE, but what about dims of cladding assembly, which has to be done floor by floor on xrefed elevations. How would you get nice clear drawing of cladding without all small bits around and without cropped ends of dimensions? I think the paperspace dims with polygonal viewports is the only solution, isn't it?

You can xclipped xref, but than you have to copy and move the xref, which is annoying too.

Maybe someone has a different and nice way of doing it...

[tzframpton]

Maybe someone has a different and nice way of doing it...

An alternative is to use an Autodesk vertical product and take advantage of Views in the Project Navigator.

[ReMark]

I do all my dimensioning in my layout and have little or no problems doing so. I do however recommend that each user try all available methods then chose the one that works best for their particular situation. I can see benefits to model space/annotative scaling for certain disciplines.

[Jeff H]

As long as the viewport scale is not changed at the same time it is a very simple matter to realign the dims and text (in a single move operation) to the model. Use the node snap to facilitate reconnecting dimensions.

 

Not saying which is better but set DIMASSOC = 2 and dimensions in paper will move with objects in model.

But if you double click in viewport you need to use PAN command instead of middle mouse button for dimensions in paperspace to move with model objects.

[Lee Roy]

Dims and Text in model space. I don't care what argument anyone offers. I've done titleblocks in model space, all drafting in paperspace, model in viewport with dims/text in paperspace...by far the easiest for me to use and explain to others is EVERYTHING in model space except titleblock information.

 

Our previous cad manager botched the use of Annotative dims and text. Once I took some time to make adjustments and put some lisps in acaddoc, my users don't have issues. When done correctly, it's relatively thoughtless.

 

The people that DO have issues, mostly come from owning their own company and are used to doing it their own way. My response is, "If it's our logo on the drawing, you do it our way."

[bill_borec]

For what it's worth, my $0.02...I dimension, note and callout in pspace. I have done it both ways (a user since legacy version 9).

 

I work in the civil world and when dealing with using the same basemap (mspace) for water, sewer, storm, grading, demolition, roadway...it seems to lend itself to notes/text in the layout as opposed to layer control. There are definitely industries (mech, elec, struct) where it would make sense to leave the text in the modelspace.

 

I agree that cad/drafting standards are necessary. You will however run into non-stop complaining if there is more than you cadding. "That's not how I do it!" If you have 5 drafting...you will have 5 different ways to do almost everything. Everyone has to either 'buy-in', put up with, or move on (quit/fired) to effectively implement new standards. Good luck.

[jweigle]

I agree with Bill, there has to be a cad layering/dim standard and everyone from top to bottom needs to follow said standard. My biggest complaint is when our architects/engineers decide to take the reigns and cad for themselves because they think their way is faster, get stuck doing something(multiple xref's, excess layers, dimensions that were off, etc.) and then come get me and my co-cad guy to figure out what they did wrong.

 

Unfortunately everytime I come over to assist I can count on 30 mins to an hour of my time that I'll never get back when it all could have been avoided by giving the design/markups to me to do in first place.

 

And people wonder why at 33 I have no hair left.......