by Rqyteqto » 13 Mar 2006, 19:19
Seems like we have lots of CAD users in here. Me too.
I am an architect and just use vanilla AutoCAD, 2006. Over the years I've adopted some of AutoCADs more interesting features into a system for using 3D modeling in both design and documentation. I start in using 3D modeling from the very beginning of a project, the reliable old bubble diagrams become actual 3D bubbles for me. Eventually the bubbles become a full 3D model which I take to a great deal of detail: nuts, bolts and washers. That's all fairly straightforward, the real key is using the paper space/model space system, clipping planes and layer state manipulation to use the model directly in documentation. The best simile of the process would be taking pictures of the model and then notating them. The clipping planes are used to effectively cut sections through the models to reveal floor plans (horizontal sections) or elevation and building sections (vertical sections). While the initial input is a bit more time consuming, because its a lot of fun, the time goes by quickly. Once the model is built, the savings in time is substantial.
At this point, I really don't have any special gestures, I just haven't had the time to develop them.
Invent the Future