Why Use Annotations Scaling?

WHY USING ANNOTATIONS SCALING?

We often need to draw several drawings in a sheet. They often have different scales. In this situation, it can be difficult to draw the annotations. What is the text height should be in 1:10 scale? What is the hatch scale, so it is not too dense in 1:100 scale? Moreover, what is the scale in 1:5 detailed drawing?

There are workarounds AutoCAD users do over the years. The methods work, but there are some downsides. If you have the problem and are looking another way to

do this, keep reading.

What are Annotations?
Annotations are the elements that are not a part of model or geometry. We add annotations in the drawing for clarity.

• We add text to give an object description.
• We add dimensions to allow engineers to know the sizes quickly.
• We add hatches or patterns to describe materials or other properties.
• We draw tags to add legends or description

The Problem with Drawing Annotations

We draw objects in real measurements, 1:1 scale. However, the annotation size is relative. You need to make sure the annotation is readable when you plot your drawing. If you draw your annotations on model space, the problem is obvious. The text size on 1:10 scaled drawing is different when you need to plot it with 1:25 scale. The hatches can be too dense if you plot it with a smaller scale.

Another method is to draw the annotations on the layout. Because we always plot

layout with 1:1 scale, it is easier to draw annotations. We draw text with the same

size we expect to appear on the paper. If I want the text 2mm, I draw it with 2mm

height on the layout.

However, drawing annotations on the layout also has downsides. When you modify

the drawing in model space, you may need to check and rearrange the

annotations. Hatches do not work with this method.

When Will I Get the Most Benefits of Using Annotation Scaling?

If you do not use layout, then Annotation Scaling is not for you. You can fully utilize

Annotation Scaling if you use layout.

The benefits of Annotation Scaling are:

• Annotation Scaling allows you to set the annotation size easily. You only need to think the size when it is plotted.
• If you need to show it on different scales, you do not need to recreate it. It resizes automatically.
• You can show annotations on different scales, but you only need to modify it once.

Excerpt from a Free e­book: Working with AutoCAD Annotation Scaling By Edwin Prakoso 

This eBook covers Annotation Scaling, how it works and how to use it. It is a 

good feature and I see several customers have implemented it successfully. 

However, there are still not many users on how to use it. Hope you will find it useful and you can implement it in your workflow. The eBook also included exercises and drawing file to use it.

 

The eBook is free to download. visit his website at 

http://www.cad-notes.com/

Different Defintions of BIM

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.
(Source: Autodesk)

Building information modeling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. Building information models (BIMs) are files (often but not always in proprietary formats and containing proprietary data) which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding a building or other built asset. Current BIM software is used by individuals, businesses and government agencies who plan, design, construct, operate and maintain diverse physical infrastructures, such as water, refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities, roads, bridges, ports, tunnels, etc.
(Source: Wikipedia)

Some say BIM is a type of software. Some say BIM is the 3D virtual model of buildings. Others say BIM is a process or BIM is nothing more than the collection of all building data organized into a structure database easy to query both in a "visual" and a "numerical" way. It is safe to say that BIM is all the above and some more… Now let’s see BIM explained in laymen’s terms. When it comes to BIM everything starts with a 3D digital model of the building. This model, however, is way more than pure geometry and some nice textures cast over it for visualization. A true BIM model consists of the virtual equivalents of the actual building parts and pieces used to build a building.
(Source: Graphisoft)

This may come as a surprise, but BIM isn’t new. It first appeared as early as 1962, when Douglas Engelbart wrote his paper “Augmenting Human Intellect: A Conceptual Framework” and described architect entering specifications and data into a building design and watching a structure take shape—a concept very similar to modern parametric modeling.
(Source: Engineering.com)

Further Reading:  BIM Structural Engineering Curriculum (Autodesk)

                             Understanding Building Information Modeling

                             Origins of BIM