AutoCAD
To help develop this article, click 'Edit this article' above.
Autodesk's AutoCAD is one of the main Computer Aided Design (CAD) software tools used for technical drawing in the construction industry. It was first released in 1982 and is used to produce drawings for design, construction, maintenance and operation as well as for future work to the structure.
The UK nbs National BIM Survey 2013 suggested that the most popular CAD software amongst respondents was:
- Autodesk AutoCAD 26%
- Autodesk AutoCAD LT 19% (a lower cost version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities).
- Autodesk Revit 18% (used for Building Information Modelling).
- Nemetschek Vectorworks 13%
- Graphisoft ArchiCAD 7%
- Bentley Microstation 5%
- Trimble Sketchup 2%
- Bentley Building Suite 1%
- Nemetschek Allpan 0%
- Other 8%
AutoCAD drawings are created at 'full size' and can then be scaled to suit different paper sizes or other media. It is mainly used to produce 2D drawings, although there is also a 3D feature.
AutoCAD works by using a limited number of tools to draw straight lines, circles, arc's, and so on which are saved as a series of points or coordinates. This means that the resulting drawing files are relatively small in size.
As the drawing progresses other tools can be used to make the drawing more complex and contain more information. This full size drawing is drawn in model space mode which is virtually unlimited (in reality limited by the computer hardware specification), and then scaled down in the paper [space] mode.
The native file format for AutoCAD is .dwg, but files can also be produced in an interchange file format DXF.
Autodesk have a adopted an annual release strategy now popular for many software products as it allows a revenue stream for the programmers and ensures development of the software.
In AutoCAD 2010 it adopted the new visual style developed by Microsoft to allow use by all devices such as touchscreens, mouse, pens and digitizers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building information modelling.
- Computer aided design.
- Computer aided manufacturing.
- Computers in building design.
- Connected procurement.
- Document control.
- Information and communications technology.
- Interview with Kevin Borg, founder of KJB Building Consultants.
- Government Construction Strategy.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The act of preservation may sometimes be futile.
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
Comments