Introduction - Autodesk Community

National CAD Standards

Introduction CAD standards are an important first step in coordinating communication among design and construction project teams in all disciplines. Standards are intended as a foundation – a starting point - for information sharing. Implementing a CAD standard provides several key benefits. 1. Consistent classification, organization and representation of CAD data for all projects. 2. Seamless transfer of information within departments, disciplines, and office locations. 3. Promotes consistency in the design process resulting in a more uniform design and construction product. 4. Simplifies the quality control process. 5. Streamlines the process of incorporating new users into the organization and providing ongoing education for existing users. The standard proposed in this document is based on the National CAD Standard developed by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), a nongovernmental, non-profit organization, authorized by Congress to encourage a more rational building regulatory environment and to accelerate the introduction of existing and new technology into the building process. The National CAD Standard is actually based on three documents: 1. CAD Layer Guidelines, The American Institute of Architects; 2. The Uniform Drawing System (UDS), Modules 1-8, The Construction Specifications Institute; 3. Tri-Service Plotting Guidelines, Tri-Service CADD/GIS Technology Center and the U.S. Coast Guard. No standard will meet the needs of all users in all cases. To the extent possible, however, you should augment this standard only in those cases where your data cannot be sufficiently classified, organized or represented according to it. In this way, you can ensure that your data can be freely exchanged with others who adopt this same Standard.

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National CAD Standards

CAD Layer Guidelines Virtually all vector-based CAD systems support the concept of layers. Layers allow design information to be organized in a systematic fashion. They allow us to control the visual display of our design on a computer screen. They also allow us to assign unique properties to related drawing entities for more efficient plotting. Efficient use of layers can reduce document preparation and revision time. For example, by turning selected layers on or off, data can be created, reviewed and edited according to a hierarchy that separates existing from proposed conditions; that isolates design elements from annotation; or that simulates the sequence of construction.

Layer Name Format The layer name format is organized as a hierarchy. This arrangement allows users to select from a number of options for naming layers according to the level of detailed information desired. Layer names consist of distinct data fields separated from one another by dashes. A detailed list of abbreviations, or field codes, is prescribed to define the content of layers. Most field codes are mnemonic English abbreviations of construction terminology that are easy to remember. There are four defined layer name data fields: Discipline Designator, Major Group, two Minor Groups, and Status. The Discipline Designator and Major Group fields are mandatory. The Minor Group(s) and Status fields are optional. Each data field is separated from adjacent fields by a dash (“-”) for clarity. A

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The U.S. NCS allows you to select from a number of format options for creating layer names. It is recommended that you select the options that you wish to use for layer names on a given project, and then apply the resulting format consistently for all layer names on that project. Note that for conceptual conformance to ISO 13567, Organization and Naming of Layers for CAD, the layer name format and length must be the same for all layers on a given project.

Total CAD Systems, Inc. 480 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 350 Houston, Texas 77060 ♦ (713) 445-6161

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National CAD Standards

Uniform Drawing System (UDS) In 1994, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) began development of the Uniform Drawing System (UDS). This system initially detailed the organization and presentation of drawing sets, sheets, schedules, and diagrams. The Uniform Drawing System was accepted the following year by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Tri-Service CADD/GIS Technology Center, the United States Coast Guard, and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) CADD Council. These organizations have since worked cooperatively in the development of several graphic standards, notably CAD layering.

UDS Modules Drawing Set Organization The Drawing Set Organization Module uses standard discipline designators to establish the order of presentation of disciplines within a drawing set. The identification of sheets within a set is based on the discipline designator and a sheet type designator. This module also includes a file naming system for project files based on the sheet identifier. Sheet Organization The Sheet Organization Module establishes a graphic layout that divides the sheet into the drawing area, the title block area, and the production data area. The format is intentionally flexible, allowing design professionals to continue to create their own distinctive title block designs. Schedules As the name implies, the Schedules Module provides standard formats for schedules used in construction documents. These formats provide consistent format, heading terminology, and organization of content. Drafting Conventions The Drafting Conventions Module provides a standard format for both graphic and textual information within drawings. Subjects covered include drawing standards, scale, lines, dimensions, etc. Terms and Abbreviations The Terms and Abbreviations Module establishes guidelines for terminology and abbreviations to ensure clear and concise communication among designers, owners, contractors, and consultants.

Total CAD Systems, Inc. 480 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 350 Houston, Texas 77060 ♦ (713) 445-6161

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National CAD Standards

Symbols The Symbols Module compiles a full range of standard symbols used throughout the AEC industry. Notations The Notations Module establishes guidelines for the systematic presentation of textual information on drawings. Subjects covered include types, use, placement, and formats for notes, note terminology, and linking notes to specifications. Code Conventions The Code Conventions Module establishes guidelines for consistency in identifying necessary regulatory information to be shown in the construction documents. This is intended to facilitate both the design process and the permit application process.

File Naming Consistent file naming and folder (directory) structures are necessary for efficient data management. File Categories The two broad categories of files, library and project, require consistent but different approaches to developing a file name format. Library files, or resource files, are those used as sources of information for more than one project. They include detail, schedule, text, database, symbol, border, and title block files. The naming of these files shall follow either the MasterFormat or UniFormat file naming method as adopted by the U.S. National CAD Standard. Project files are specific to a project. They can include building and site models, details, sheets, schedules, text, database, symbols, borders, title blocks, and other files created specifically for the project. For a given project, the project file name must be consistent from firm to firm. These files may be used by clients, consultants, regulatory agents, facility managers, and others. UDS provides a guideline for the uniform naming of files.

Total CAD Systems, Inc. 480 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 350 Houston, Texas 77060 ♦ (713) 445-6161

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