Evolution

I have reset the default cad line to show bearing in degrees and minutes, and the line length in decimal feet however I have not been able so far, to reset the drawing scale from it's current default to the scale I need which is 1"=200'. 1"=50' for this plot would likely work as well.

I've been away from this forum for quite some time although still using Chief Architect Premier. I'm semi-retired (now) but currently helping my BIL and SIL in their land development company endeavors. I'm definitely not a Autodesk cad civil or architectural person. Strictly self-taught / using CA (12 being my last version used). So to expedite helping them cut to the chase presenting preliminary site plans to the local zoning boards, (local CE's are backed up for years not months) to speed up the submittal process to the zoning boards, I suggested we give CA a try. I know CA is built for the architectural design environment and not civil and just from my experience does not lend itself well for creating multi-lot subdivisions of say 50 lots or less so if it is possible to use the CA CAD tools to layout a subdivison for preliminary design is it possible and how would you achieve for example setting up a scale to use for laying out a small subdivision at a scale of say 1"=200' (the scale that jurisdiction require preliminary (sketch plans they're called) to be prepared at.) We aren't required in the preliminary submission to have the infra structure figure out, just the basics, lots, sizes, road-rights of way etc. I can download a GIS of the land partial from the county's survey and if I can somehow plot the overall boundaries of that plot I can overlay and scale it to use as the starting point for the subdivision preliminary design in CA. These GIS maps don't have the line bearings but do have the bounding dimensions, and I would think from there using the cad lines default set to draw the bearing / dimensions laying out the lot lines, streets and easements would be possible. Any suggestions / advise aside from learning Autodesk 3D Civil etc.? Thanks in advance.

" I think, would be much easier if CA would just give us an option to recess the casing on either/or or both sides of a wall.--------------Any thoughts? " Hey Larry, did you post this in the suggestions Thread? I can see where this would be a use full tool .

Sounds like a display issue with your computer settings?

David, I've never tried this (you may have already), and you may not be able to select edit area? If you can drag a marquee around the blocks you want to explode and see if it gives you the option to explode them? Just a random thought.

I am using Surface Pro 4-i7. Have been for several years. Haven't done anything in X12 yet, but have opened a couple of plans haven't seen much difference in speed on my SP yet. A lot is going to depend on the complexity of the plan and other nuances that take place, as you develop a plan. 3D views have been a bit slow at times (X11) but again it was as much related to the complexity I believe vs the age of my SP. This isn't much help, if you're thinking of going to a Surface Pro, I'm sure the newer ones will do the job.

Thought I would post some pics of the project under way. Love to see a design come to life!!! Had a lot of help working through the challenges. Glenn Woodward has a lot of patience. Eric the solver....straight to the point, I'd better stop naming all I'll miss someone and hurt feelings. Lot of you assisted in one way or another. Some of you got impatient with me, but that's understandable!

What about the settings in Window Default? Materials etc.? IF all the windows are the same construction? Not sure, but isn't it the default settings that provide the typical information for export? Just guessing

The Yarbro residence is under construction. The client's MECH engineer asked for the DWG files. I think I did it correctly, I guess I will find out tomorrow if he has any issues with it. I would normally turn most layers off, however he wanted most layers relative to the architectural (Dims, Cabinets, Walls of course, Doors etc.) left on. No question exactly, since it is a two story, I exported all floors, Export only displayed layers, Scaling unit: in>Create Associative Dimensions>Export Filled Areas. That sound about right?

You might give this a try as well: https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/forum/14-local-user-groups/

Hey Larry, I know you don't want to do a lot of explaining, but (when you get time) it would be great if you could tell us a little of what you did (work-around, etc) ? Probably asking too much huh?

It would certainly be very helpful if you would update your signature to provide the software version you're currently using, and a little computer info (especially if you might become a regular poster on the forum. Here's a link that will help you. https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/topic/18908-signature-here-at-chief-talk Check these helps out if you haven't already. www.chiefarchitect.com/support/category/59/materials www.chiefarchitect.com/support/article/KB-00510/controlling-the-information-in-a-materials

It's not difficult to update your signature if you'll just take few minutes. And be sure to include some computer hardware info. It's time saving for those who stop what they're doing to help us, to know this info.

Gabriella, you may need additional help along the way, hope you stay on the forum, but seriously it would be great if you would just take a few minutes to update your Signature with Software version you're using, and some Hardware info for future assistance. https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/topic/18908-signature-here-at-chief-talk

First of all, your post makes no sense to me? What links don't work, data doesn't work? A real tutorial? To do what? Input topo maps? Why is it so hard to do a simple thing, now you're talking? But of course I'm not sure what simple things you are referring too? Sorry, not being sarcastic, just sharing what I'm sure the others on the forum are asking them selves. Also, It would help if you would use the link below and follow the instructions to update your signature to include the Soft Ware Version you're using, and some computer info as this often helps the others (smarter and more proficient than I) to help you. Otherwise, welcome to the forum! https://chieftalk.chiefarchitect.com/topic/18908-signature-here-at-chief-talk