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Managing Object Coding, Lineweights, And Plotstyles In AutoCAD 2000
By Barrie Mathews
So here is how all of this shakes out
- Classify everything by real life objects with the codes contained in your naming
conventions going from generic classification to more specific. This is the tricky
part. What is the highest level grouping for one application may be partly the
inverse for another application. This takes careful consideration taking into
account how the elements are used in the system. The hierarchy of classification
requires clear decision making from the start. All of the listings need to be
reviewed and the processes need to be analysed as a whole before the final rules
are determined. Normally unique cases fall under more generic classes, where all
elements will be used in the same way but for special cases.
- While evolution will lead to the use of Named Plotstyles, you will continue to use
both color and names to represent real life objects, rather than drafting elements
such as linewidths, linetype patterns, and such. Either way, both properties define
the plotted objects. For example, the lineweight, pen color, linetype pattern, and
screening can all be set appropriately for Proposed Concrete Walls in thick, pure
blue tone, intense lines and for Existing Concrete Walls in thin, dull blue tone, faint
lines. Different elements of the illustration need varying lineweight, color tones,
linetype patterns, and plotting intensity.
- The principles also apply to linetype names where the linetype patterns (which
are limited in number) are properties of the element represented by the line. The
patterns allow a level of identification of the line to be transmitted on to paper. In
the computer, it is the linetype name that is more useful and powerful.
- Object Names provide the glue to link more classified data for programming
more "intelligence" in the computer.
- Plotstyles represent the most elementary components for coding and as such
will become your lowest level coding system for objects. This is a good base level
for defining your object coding system, where your plotstyle names are the same
as your object names.
About The Author
Barrie Mathews is a systems analyst, engineering technologist, and founding partner of Softco
Engineering systems Inc.. Based upon 20 years of prior practical experience as an estimator,
a detailer, a systems analyst, and manager of unique and varied construction projects, Barrie
became a computer progammer in the mid 1980’s to provide the benefit of his experience to
others by developing systems software. His career long devotion to efficiency, cost control,
scheduling, and maintaining high levels of production have become manifest in the
development of AutoCAD Management systems for engineering and architectural firms. He is
currently responsible for engineering and design of packaged base systems for AutoCAD,
and is an industry leader for organizing and controlling computer-aided design operations.
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Contents:
This article is the property of Softco Engineering Systems, Inc.,(c)2000. All rights reserved.
Any copying or reproduction of the article in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
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