Reflected Ceiling Plans

[Joe_Carrick]

I've seen several threads that complained about the lack of a "Reflected Ceiling Plan" tool in Chief.  From my viewpoint, it's not just a matter of a "Ceiling Grid" but actually using the needed tools that already exist.  Sometimes there are soffits, moldings, light fixtures, smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, skylights and all sorts of other things that need to be shown.  And yes, sometimes there is an actual "Ceiling Grid" that needs to be shown

 

Instead of concentrating on a Hatch Pattern and moaning about the fact that we can't offset the pattern within a room, I prefer to actually model everything and then use a Layer Set to show those items. 

 

Virtually all of the above already exist in the model using existing symbols that Chief provides in the Core, Bonus and Mfr Libraries.  The one exception is "Ceiling Tiles".  But it's very easy to create those as Symbols and add them to the User Library.  Then it's a simple matter of placing one in a room and using Multi-Copy or Transform Replicate to spread them throughout the space.  By doing this, I also get the advantage of being able to show a true representation of the ceiling in Perspectives.

 

A dedicated Layer Set can display all the objects which can easily be labeled and dimensioned as desired for the "Reflected Ceiling Plan".  

[ShaneK]

I have a layer set for my ceilings, I have grid layouts and tile saved in library. Of course it requires a little work for each project but it all shows in 3d.  

[Gawdzira]

I am constantly frustrated by Chiefs lack of ability to do things I don't want to do. Like drafting.

[raltd9245]

On 6/21/2018 at 10:07 AM, Joe_Carrick said:

I've seen several threads that complained about the lack of a "Reflected Ceiling Plan" tool in Chief.  From my viewpoint, it's not just a matter of a "Ceiling Grid" but actually using the needed tools that already exist.  Sometimes there are soffits, moldings, light fixtures, smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, skylights and all sorts of other things that need to be shown.  And yes, sometimes there is an actual "Ceiling Grid" that needs to be shown

 

Instead of concentrating on a Hatch Pattern and moaning about the fact that we can't offset the pattern within a room, I prefer to actually model everything and then use a Layer Set to show those items. 

 

Virtually all of the above already exist in the model using existing symbols that Chief provides in the Core, Bonus and Mfr Libraries.  The one exception is "Ceiling Tiles".  But it's very easy to create those as Symbols and add them to the User Library.  Then it's a simple matter of placing one in a room and using Multi-Copy or Transform Replicate to spread them throughout the space.  By doing this, I also get the advantage of being able to show a true representation of the ceiling in Perspectives.

 

A dedicated Layer Set can display all the objects which can easily be labeled and dimensioned as desired for the "Reflected Ceiling Plan".  

Actually you are correct but in my humble opinion Chief could help with tools to make it easier. Time for Chief to catch up with other programs.