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CAD Drafting Services
LUMINA provides a wide range of CAD drafting services to support design
development including Electrical Building Plans, Design/Build Projects and
As-built drawings. Our CAD drafting techniques involve the latest releases of
VectorWorks 2008 and the final output is a fully editable multi-layer CAD
format (VWX, MCD, DWG, etc.).
Send in your input as hand-drawn sketches, TIFF, etc and our CAD drafting
experts will provide outputs which are fully compliant to AIA or any other
standard of your choice (including linetypes, line weights, and usage of
blocks).
We have over 10 years of extensive knowledge in Vectorworks CAD drafting
and can deliver your projects based on your time lines.
LUMINA provides a wide range of CAD drafting services to support design
development including Electrical Building Plans, Design/Build Projects and
As-built drawings. Our CAD drafting techniques involve the latest releases of
VectorWorks 2008 and the final output is a fully editable multi-layer CAD
format (VWX, MCD, DWG, etc.).
Send in your input as hand-drawn sketches, TIFF, etc and our CAD drafting
experts will provide outputs which are fully compliant to AIA or any other
standard of your choice (including linetypes, line weights, and usage of
blocks).
We have over 10 years of extensive knowledge in Vectorworks CAD drafting
and can deliver your projects based on your time lines.
CAD Design
In a rapidly changing world, the key to success lies in adapting and exploiting
every technological breakthrough. Technology not only improves quality and
efficiency but also reduces cost. CAD design services have also emerged as
an extremely beneficial tool for Architects, Structural Engineers, Mechanical &
Electrical Consultants, Lighting Designers, Production/Stage Designers, Interior
Designers, Mechanical & Electrical Building Contractors and Project Managers.
LUMINA can design services to fit your existing business processes, while
producing high quality drawings and CAD drafting as per your needs and at
competitive cost. We cater to a wide array of architectural and electrical CAD
design and drafting services that includes electrical and architectural drafting,
paper to CAD conversion, 2D Drafting, 3D modeling, 3D rendering, animations
and walkthroughs.
In a rapidly changing world, the key to success lies in adapting and exploiting
every technological breakthrough. Technology not only improves quality and
efficiency but also reduces cost. CAD design services have also emerged as
an extremely beneficial tool for Architects, Structural Engineers, Mechanical &
Electrical Consultants, Lighting Designers, Production/Stage Designers, Interior
Designers, Mechanical & Electrical Building Contractors and Project Managers.
LUMINA can design services to fit your existing business processes, while
producing high quality drawings and CAD drafting as per your needs and at
competitive cost. We cater to a wide array of architectural and electrical CAD
design and drafting services that includes electrical and architectural drafting,
paper to CAD conversion, 2D Drafting, 3D modeling, 3D rendering, animations
and walkthroughs.
CAD / Rendering Services
LUMINA
LUMINA has strived to be the answer for all of your drafting service needs. Our drafting services specialize in fast turn around with quality accuracy in CAD
drafting, including 2D and 3D design development, as-built drawings and electrical drawings.
Our CAD projects include all types of projects: residential, commercial, live-events, educational, retail, healthcare, and miscellaneous construction and
renovation projects.
Let our drafting services provide drafting for your next architectural, electrical or landscaping plans! Take advantage of our extensive, decade-long experience
in CAD drafting services. We have built our reputation by responding to the varying needs of our clients by providing them with the high quality and best CAD
drafting services in the industry.
drafting, including 2D and 3D design development, as-built drawings and electrical drawings.
Our CAD projects include all types of projects: residential, commercial, live-events, educational, retail, healthcare, and miscellaneous construction and
renovation projects.
Let our drafting services provide drafting for your next architectural, electrical or landscaping plans! Take advantage of our extensive, decade-long experience
in CAD drafting services. We have built our reputation by responding to the varying needs of our clients by providing them with the high quality and best CAD
drafting services in the industry.
3D solid modeling and 3d drafting services for your projects. We can convert your hand-drawn sketches, design concepts and drawings into impressive 3D models. We pay
attention to shape and texture in great detail and can customize stereoscopic 3D models as per your requirement into any format of your choice using Renderworks 2008.
We can create 3D advertisements, which are more memorable and impressive than ordinary 2D images. Highly realistic 3D drafting images used widely in advertising and
entertainment. We can assist you in re-creating hi-quality, detailed, true three-dimensional models. Our 3D modeling services provide solutions with all phases of your
project from concept/design to completion.
attention to shape and texture in great detail and can customize stereoscopic 3D models as per your requirement into any format of your choice using Renderworks 2008.
We can create 3D advertisements, which are more memorable and impressive than ordinary 2D images. Highly realistic 3D drafting images used widely in advertising and
entertainment. We can assist you in re-creating hi-quality, detailed, true three-dimensional models. Our 3D modeling services provide solutions with all phases of your
project from concept/design to completion.
3D Renderings & Models
Our BASIC SERVICE converts your paper drawings, Design Build Projects, as-builts and existing drawings into DWG AutoCAD and MCD, VWX Vectorworks
formats. You may submit copies of the original drawings, or send scanned TIF or PDF files via email.
The documents are 100% manually drafted into CAD. You may choose to mark-out any unnecessary information on the sheets to be omitted during the CAD
drafting process.
All sheets are drafted as full-scale 1:1, dimensionally accurate, layered (AIA layering) and 100% line connections (no scanning or vectorizing).
Our CUSTOM SERVICE targets your customized CAD drafting requirements. Submit your in-house layering system, titleblock, fonts, background CAD files
and we will implement them as part of your CAD drafting project.
Our CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS SERVICE allows designers to outsource their CAD construction document production. Designers can submit their
freehand sketches, mock-ups, cut and paste sheets, design development sketches, along with their in-house customized standards.
formats. You may submit copies of the original drawings, or send scanned TIF or PDF files via email.
The documents are 100% manually drafted into CAD. You may choose to mark-out any unnecessary information on the sheets to be omitted during the CAD
drafting process.
All sheets are drafted as full-scale 1:1, dimensionally accurate, layered (AIA layering) and 100% line connections (no scanning or vectorizing).
Our CUSTOM SERVICE targets your customized CAD drafting requirements. Submit your in-house layering system, titleblock, fonts, background CAD files
and we will implement them as part of your CAD drafting project.
Our CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS SERVICE allows designers to outsource their CAD construction document production. Designers can submit their
freehand sketches, mock-ups, cut and paste sheets, design development sketches, along with their in-house customized standards.
LUMINA guarantees fixed pricing and turnaround based on sheet size, regardless of sheet content. You may have already noticed that in the CAD conversion industry, the
majority of our competitors require that they see your drawings before they will give you a quote. Not only is this time consuming, but it also takes your time away from other
projects, as well as delays the current conversion project. Our fixed rate pricing allows you to send us your orders immediately, without the need for a quote and enables you
to prepare a budget beforehand.
For bulk orders or bids, please contact us for special pricing that may apply to your project. Our document conversions include, but are not limited to architectural,
engineering, mechanical, civil, machine drawings, historical archives, construction documents, utility plans, site plans, plat maps and almost any other type of document
imaginable.
majority of our competitors require that they see your drawings before they will give you a quote. Not only is this time consuming, but it also takes your time away from other
projects, as well as delays the current conversion project. Our fixed rate pricing allows you to send us your orders immediately, without the need for a quote and enables you
to prepare a budget beforehand.
For bulk orders or bids, please contact us for special pricing that may apply to your project. Our document conversions include, but are not limited to architectural,
engineering, mechanical, civil, machine drawings, historical archives, construction documents, utility plans, site plans, plat maps and almost any other type of document
imaginable.
PRICES
LUMINA's staff works closely with all clients to ensure that the final CAD files match the requirements of your project exactly. Upon receipt of your drawings to be converted
into CAD, LUMINA closely examines the project and works closely with you to ensure that all technical requirements are understood before proceeding with the drafting
process. Before beginning a large conversion project, LUMINA recommends that you send several documents, along with your specific layering standards, blocks, etc. for
an initial conversion. This allows us to work together to assure you that our conversions meet your specific standards before the actual conversion project begins.
Once you have received and reviewed the final CAD files, LUMINA performs follow-up procedures to verify that the CAD files have met all of your specific project
requirements. If any inconsistencies with the files are detected, LUMINA updates the files immediately and supplies the updates to your office.
LUMINA's staff works closely with all clients to ensure that the final CAD files match the requirements of your project exactly. Upon receipt of your drawings to be converted
into CAD, LUMINA closely examines the project and works closely with you to ensure that all technical requirements are understood before proceeding with the drafting
process. Before beginning a large conversion project, LUMINA recommends that you send several documents, along with your specific layering standards, blocks, etc. for
an initial conversion. This allows us to work together to assure you that our conversions meet your specific standards before the actual conversion project begins.
Once you have received and reviewed the final CAD files, LUMINA performs follow-up procedures to verify that the CAD files have met all of your specific project
requirements. If any inconsistencies with the files are detected, LUMINA updates the files immediately and supplies the updates to your office.
into CAD, LUMINA closely examines the project and works closely with you to ensure that all technical requirements are understood before proceeding with the drafting
process. Before beginning a large conversion project, LUMINA recommends that you send several documents, along with your specific layering standards, blocks, etc. for
an initial conversion. This allows us to work together to assure you that our conversions meet your specific standards before the actual conversion project begins.
Once you have received and reviewed the final CAD files, LUMINA performs follow-up procedures to verify that the CAD files have met all of your specific project
requirements. If any inconsistencies with the files are detected, LUMINA updates the files immediately and supplies the updates to your office.
LUMINA's staff works closely with all clients to ensure that the final CAD files match the requirements of your project exactly. Upon receipt of your drawings to be converted
into CAD, LUMINA closely examines the project and works closely with you to ensure that all technical requirements are understood before proceeding with the drafting
process. Before beginning a large conversion project, LUMINA recommends that you send several documents, along with your specific layering standards, blocks, etc. for
an initial conversion. This allows us to work together to assure you that our conversions meet your specific standards before the actual conversion project begins.
Once you have received and reviewed the final CAD files, LUMINA performs follow-up procedures to verify that the CAD files have met all of your specific project
requirements. If any inconsistencies with the files are detected, LUMINA updates the files immediately and supplies the updates to your office.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
LUMINA follows the steps listed below to convert drawings into CAD file formats. The document conversion is accurately performed using AutoCAD, Revit, Architecture and
Microstation software applications. Below is a brief list of steps performed by LUMINA.
1. Your original paper or TIF/PDF documents are logged into the LUMINA office. Microsoft Project is used to index, manage and track all documents and log each step of
the conversion process. Your project's special requirements are reviewed by our staff engineers and architects. These special requirements often include: layering
guidelines or standards; titleblocks; blocks, fonts; hatching; file naming conventions. A technical staff representative will contact you immediately if your project
requirements are not completely understood. A CAD operator is then selected based on the project type and complexity. The operator is supplied with written detailed
instructions fully describing your project.
2. The CAD operator manually scales the actual dimensions, bearings, distances and coordinates from the original document and then draws each entity into CAD. During
the conversion, each entity is placed on the appropriate AIA or CUSTOM layer, and any blocks supplied by the client are incorporated into drawing. The result is a
dimensionally accurate, full-scale, layered, AutoCAD (DWG), Architecture (DWG), or Vectorworks 2008 (VWX) (MCD) file.
3. The CAD operator performs Level 1-QA to assure that the converted CAD file matches the original document.
4. The CAD file enters Level 2-QA where the CAD manager plots the DWG/DGN file and compares it to the original document for accuracy. Errors and omissions are noted
and the CAD manager works with the CAD operator to assure that all errors and omissions are corrected as necessary.
5. The CAD file enters Level 3-QA where the CAD manager reviews the corrected document for 100% accuracy. Spelling checks, layering standards, file x-refs (when
applicable) are verified.
6. The CAD file enters Level 4-QA where it is visually compared to the hardcopy original document. Additional files are created based on the final CAD file: PDF-color, PDF-
black/white, TIF, CTB (color table files for client plotting). Once Level 4-QA testing is completed the files are ready to be distributed to the client.
7. The completed electronic files are written onto a CD-ROM, floppy disk or prepared for electronic Internet FTP transfer or email.
Compression: CAD files returned to the customer using email or FTP are compressed into a ".zip" format. WinZIP applications are used to compress each file for
economical file transfers. For files written onto CD-ROM, the files remain uncompressed for convenient access by our users.
8. LUMINA creates a package to be returned to the customer. The package includes all documents requested by the client including final electronic files on media, original
hardcopies (if requested), invoice, etc. Upon request by the customer, the paper documents can be returned or destroyed. Electronic CAD files can be destroyed or
archived by LUMINA for future needs by the client.
Backups: LUMINA maintains electronic backups of converted CAD files over the most recent 5 years. A backup is created daily and includes: 1) project profile standards; 2)
TIF images of original sheets submitted by client to be converted; 3) final CAD files; 4) any updated CAD files. Project data can be retrieved for the Customer at any time
9. Customer Profile Data
LUMINA creates a "customer profile" to ensure consistency across multiple projects. When a new project is received by LUMINA, the standards, blocks, fonts, titleblocks, etc
included in the customer profile are applied to each project. A customer may also have multiple "project profiles" to handle concurrent projects. Before beginning a large
conversion project, LUMINA recommends that the customer send several documents, along with the specific layering standards, blocks, etc. for an initial conversion. This
way, LUMINA can work with the client to assure that conversions meet specific standards before the actual conversion project begins.
Layering Standards
CAD layering standards are essential to seamlessly share graphic information data throughout the CAD industry. Implementation of layers in a CAD file enables better
management of visual information.
The most widely used layering standards have been developed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). LUMINA automatically uses the AIA layering standards during
the conversion of a document unless the client has supplied their own set of layering standards.
CAD layers are organized into major categories or groups. The major groups are further subdivided into minor groups. Each group represents a layer in the converted CAD
file. Each layer is labeled using a consistent, easy-to-remember abbreviation. The major groups defined by the AIA include:
A Architectural
C Civil
E Electrical
F Fire protection
G General
H Hazardous materials
I Interiors
L Landscape
M Mechanical
P Plumbing
Q Equipment
R Resource
S Structural
T Telecommunications
X Other disciplines
Z Contractor/shop drawings
For more information about the AIA CAD Layer Guidelines, please contact:
Task Force on CAD Layer Guidelines
C/o The American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
www.e-architect.com www.aia.org
CAD Symbols, Blocks, Attributes
Symbol libraries, blocks and attributes are additional tools designed to better organize the CAD entities in your converted CAD files. Advantages of incorporating symbols,
blocks and attributes into your CAD files is that they enable you to automatically export CAD data into other report forms. For example, you can automatically count the total
number of door symbols, window symbols, etc. that appears on a floorplan. Alternatively, you can export floorplan attributes such as room name, room number, area,
perimeter, etc. for use with space management software applications.
At LUMINA, we encourage our clients to submit any predefined symbols, blocks and attributes with each order. During our conversion process, we then automatically
incorporate this reference data into each CAD file. Symbol libraries, blocks and attributes are not necessary, however, they will provide added control and flexibility for your
final converted documents.
Ambiguities and Data Conflicts
Ambiguities can exist on almost any sheet and there must be conversion "rules of thumb" in place to handle them. These rules also ensure communication consistency
between LUMINA and our clients. Some of our common ambiguities and "rules-of-thumb" include: undimensioned original drawings, unclear data on the original documents,
and data conflicts.
Undimensioned Drawings
In cases of converting undimensioned drawings, or drawings with fewer than 20% dimensions shown on the original documents, our CAD operators perform the following
heads-up digitizing procedure:
1. The document is scanned to create electronic raster TIFF image.
2. The raster image is imported into AutoCAD, Revit, Architecture (ADT), or Microstation and appears as a background image. During the drafting process, the CAD
operator uses the background as a reference to create the CAD file. The CAD operator manually draws all entities such as text, notes, title blocks, drawing titles, detail
references, schedules, etc. During the conversion, the CAD operator also incorporates layering, blocks, etc. provided by the client.
3. The CAD operator performs Level 1-QA to ensure the document matches the original.
4. The file enters Level 2-QA where the CAD manager plots the file and compares it to the original blueprint document for accuracy. Errors and omissions are noted and
the CAD manager works with the CAD operator responsible for the hand redraw to assure that all errors and omissions are corrected.
5. The file enters Level 3-QA where the CAD manager again reviews the corrected document for quality assurance.
6. The electronic file is transferred to Level 4-QA. The electronic file is visually compared to the hardcopy original document. Once Level 4-QA testing is completed, the
files are ready to be distributed to the client.
Unclear Entities on Original Documents
When data on the original documents is unclear or difficult to interpret, the CAD operator creates a "README" layer in the CAD file. For each unclear entity that appears in
the converted CAD file, the CAD operator inserts a "red box". The red box is an identifier that displays the unclear data. Our clients can then quickly zoom into the unclear
area and make any necessary modifications. The "README" layer also goes through four levels of QA and will remain after Level 4 QA only in cases where the data was
too unclear on the original sheets to convert.
Data Conflicts
Since, LUMINA operators manually redraw each entity shown on the original document, occasionally a dimension shown on the original document will conflict with the
measurement scaled by our operator. In such cases, the actual dimension shown on the document is used as the default. The scaled CAD dimension is shown in RED on
the "README" layer. Therefore, we can ensure that all of our conversions are dimensionally correct.
Establishing CAD Standards
CAD documents are used by many disciplines and for many purposes. Before beginning a CAD conversion project, many companies establish a set of internal guidelines to
make it easier to reuse drawings for multiple purposes. Such guidelines ensure seamless communication when CAD documents are created, used, or revised by
employees, consultants or contractors in multiple locations or by other software applications that work with CAD files. Conversion standards also automatically manage the
searching and indexing of large volumes of CAD files.
During our experience in the CAD conversion business, we have observed many different conversion standards. Given this knowledge base, we have created the following
list of 6 recommended standards that you may choose to consider when developing your own standards.
Drawing Standards
Several primary conversion standards should be adhered to during the translation of paper documents into CAD. These standards include the following:
File Name – Drawing Number
To easily identify a specific building or drawing, the converted CAD files should be saved using a combination of the building name/number and the sheet number. As
each document is converted, it should be added to an electronic index so that it can be quickly cross-referenced and located. The following example illustrates an easy to
locate filename convention:
Format: EJH00101.DWG
Where: E=Drawing Type (such as E=Electrical)
JH=Building number/name (such as Johnson Hall)
0101=Drawing sequence number (sheet number)
01=Revision number or letter
Layering Control
The most widely used set of layering standards was developed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). LUMINA automatically uses the AIA layering standards during
the conversion of a document unless a different set of standards has been provided by our client. Each layer is labeled using a consistent, easy-to-remember abbreviation.
The AIA Long Format consists of a single letter Major Group, a four letter Minor Group and a four letter Modifier. The major groups defined by the AIA include:
A Architectural
C Civil
E Electrical
F Fire protection
G General
H Hazardous materials
I Interiors
L Landscape
M Mechanical
P Plumbing
Q Equipment
R Resource
S Structural
T Telecommunications
X Other disciplines
Z Contractor/shop drawings
The colors for each layer should be consistent and all objects shall be drawn in color BYLAYER. This means that all objects assigned to a specific layer should be the same
color. Occasionally, the need to create a new layer can arise in cases when custom defined, or AIA layering standards are not available. Typically, any unused drawing
layers should be purged from the converted CAD document.
Text, Dimensions, Linetype Styles
Standard text fonts are ROMANS and ROMAND. Typically, a standard text height should be defined, however, the text width should be flexible to accommodate the contents
of each sheet. Often, in the case of a crowded sheet it may become necessary to adjust the text width to properly fit the text on the sheet. The following illustrates a text
style:
Example: 08ROMANS15
Where: 08=width factor=0.8=width of letter
ROMANS=font
15=oblique angle (omitted when set to 0)
Text Styles
Font File
Width
08ROMANS
ROMANS
0.8
0ROMANS
ROMANS
1.0
06ROMANS
ROMANS
0.1
Blocks
Blocks are common for repetitive entities that exist on a document, such as doors, windows, toilets, etc. To ensure that all employees, contractors, and consultants use
a consistent set of defined blocks, we recommend that a block legend be created. This legend should define all blocks. Blocks should be consistent among all drawings
included in a set of plans or a project. For example, if a call-out block "X" is used in one drawing, it must appear as the same block "X" in all other drawings. Blocks should
be created on Layer 0 and then inserted onto their correct layer in the drawing. When the block is inserted, it should be re-scaled to match the scale of the current drawing.
All blocks should be listed in the drawing index, while unreferenced blocks should be purged from the drawing.
Polygon Layer
CAD documents are often used by other software applications that work with CAD files. Architects and planners often need facility data such as the area square footage
of a room or a section of a building. Whereas, a structural engineer may need to find the cross-sectional area of a beam. The solution: add a polygon layer to the
document. The CAD operator simply draws a closed polygon over the top of each room and over the entire building. The polygon layer then enables the export of precise
information about the drawing such as room area, perimeter, location of an object, etc. that can be used with other software applications.
Microstation software applications. Below is a brief list of steps performed by LUMINA.
1. Your original paper or TIF/PDF documents are logged into the LUMINA office. Microsoft Project is used to index, manage and track all documents and log each step of
the conversion process. Your project's special requirements are reviewed by our staff engineers and architects. These special requirements often include: layering
guidelines or standards; titleblocks; blocks, fonts; hatching; file naming conventions. A technical staff representative will contact you immediately if your project
requirements are not completely understood. A CAD operator is then selected based on the project type and complexity. The operator is supplied with written detailed
instructions fully describing your project.
2. The CAD operator manually scales the actual dimensions, bearings, distances and coordinates from the original document and then draws each entity into CAD. During
the conversion, each entity is placed on the appropriate AIA or CUSTOM layer, and any blocks supplied by the client are incorporated into drawing. The result is a
dimensionally accurate, full-scale, layered, AutoCAD (DWG), Architecture (DWG), or Vectorworks 2008 (VWX) (MCD) file.
3. The CAD operator performs Level 1-QA to assure that the converted CAD file matches the original document.
4. The CAD file enters Level 2-QA where the CAD manager plots the DWG/DGN file and compares it to the original document for accuracy. Errors and omissions are noted
and the CAD manager works with the CAD operator to assure that all errors and omissions are corrected as necessary.
5. The CAD file enters Level 3-QA where the CAD manager reviews the corrected document for 100% accuracy. Spelling checks, layering standards, file x-refs (when
applicable) are verified.
6. The CAD file enters Level 4-QA where it is visually compared to the hardcopy original document. Additional files are created based on the final CAD file: PDF-color, PDF-
black/white, TIF, CTB (color table files for client plotting). Once Level 4-QA testing is completed the files are ready to be distributed to the client.
7. The completed electronic files are written onto a CD-ROM, floppy disk or prepared for electronic Internet FTP transfer or email.
Compression: CAD files returned to the customer using email or FTP are compressed into a ".zip" format. WinZIP applications are used to compress each file for
economical file transfers. For files written onto CD-ROM, the files remain uncompressed for convenient access by our users.
8. LUMINA creates a package to be returned to the customer. The package includes all documents requested by the client including final electronic files on media, original
hardcopies (if requested), invoice, etc. Upon request by the customer, the paper documents can be returned or destroyed. Electronic CAD files can be destroyed or
archived by LUMINA for future needs by the client.
Backups: LUMINA maintains electronic backups of converted CAD files over the most recent 5 years. A backup is created daily and includes: 1) project profile standards; 2)
TIF images of original sheets submitted by client to be converted; 3) final CAD files; 4) any updated CAD files. Project data can be retrieved for the Customer at any time
9. Customer Profile Data
LUMINA creates a "customer profile" to ensure consistency across multiple projects. When a new project is received by LUMINA, the standards, blocks, fonts, titleblocks, etc
included in the customer profile are applied to each project. A customer may also have multiple "project profiles" to handle concurrent projects. Before beginning a large
conversion project, LUMINA recommends that the customer send several documents, along with the specific layering standards, blocks, etc. for an initial conversion. This
way, LUMINA can work with the client to assure that conversions meet specific standards before the actual conversion project begins.
Layering Standards
CAD layering standards are essential to seamlessly share graphic information data throughout the CAD industry. Implementation of layers in a CAD file enables better
management of visual information.
The most widely used layering standards have been developed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). LUMINA automatically uses the AIA layering standards during
the conversion of a document unless the client has supplied their own set of layering standards.
CAD layers are organized into major categories or groups. The major groups are further subdivided into minor groups. Each group represents a layer in the converted CAD
file. Each layer is labeled using a consistent, easy-to-remember abbreviation. The major groups defined by the AIA include:
A Architectural
C Civil
E Electrical
F Fire protection
G General
H Hazardous materials
I Interiors
L Landscape
M Mechanical
P Plumbing
Q Equipment
R Resource
S Structural
T Telecommunications
X Other disciplines
Z Contractor/shop drawings
For more information about the AIA CAD Layer Guidelines, please contact:
Task Force on CAD Layer Guidelines
C/o The American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
www.e-architect.com www.aia.org
CAD Symbols, Blocks, Attributes
Symbol libraries, blocks and attributes are additional tools designed to better organize the CAD entities in your converted CAD files. Advantages of incorporating symbols,
blocks and attributes into your CAD files is that they enable you to automatically export CAD data into other report forms. For example, you can automatically count the total
number of door symbols, window symbols, etc. that appears on a floorplan. Alternatively, you can export floorplan attributes such as room name, room number, area,
perimeter, etc. for use with space management software applications.
At LUMINA, we encourage our clients to submit any predefined symbols, blocks and attributes with each order. During our conversion process, we then automatically
incorporate this reference data into each CAD file. Symbol libraries, blocks and attributes are not necessary, however, they will provide added control and flexibility for your
final converted documents.
Ambiguities and Data Conflicts
Ambiguities can exist on almost any sheet and there must be conversion "rules of thumb" in place to handle them. These rules also ensure communication consistency
between LUMINA and our clients. Some of our common ambiguities and "rules-of-thumb" include: undimensioned original drawings, unclear data on the original documents,
and data conflicts.
Undimensioned Drawings
In cases of converting undimensioned drawings, or drawings with fewer than 20% dimensions shown on the original documents, our CAD operators perform the following
heads-up digitizing procedure:
1. The document is scanned to create electronic raster TIFF image.
2. The raster image is imported into AutoCAD, Revit, Architecture (ADT), or Microstation and appears as a background image. During the drafting process, the CAD
operator uses the background as a reference to create the CAD file. The CAD operator manually draws all entities such as text, notes, title blocks, drawing titles, detail
references, schedules, etc. During the conversion, the CAD operator also incorporates layering, blocks, etc. provided by the client.
3. The CAD operator performs Level 1-QA to ensure the document matches the original.
4. The file enters Level 2-QA where the CAD manager plots the file and compares it to the original blueprint document for accuracy. Errors and omissions are noted and
the CAD manager works with the CAD operator responsible for the hand redraw to assure that all errors and omissions are corrected.
5. The file enters Level 3-QA where the CAD manager again reviews the corrected document for quality assurance.
6. The electronic file is transferred to Level 4-QA. The electronic file is visually compared to the hardcopy original document. Once Level 4-QA testing is completed, the
files are ready to be distributed to the client.
Unclear Entities on Original Documents
When data on the original documents is unclear or difficult to interpret, the CAD operator creates a "README" layer in the CAD file. For each unclear entity that appears in
the converted CAD file, the CAD operator inserts a "red box". The red box is an identifier that displays the unclear data. Our clients can then quickly zoom into the unclear
area and make any necessary modifications. The "README" layer also goes through four levels of QA and will remain after Level 4 QA only in cases where the data was
too unclear on the original sheets to convert.
Data Conflicts
Since, LUMINA operators manually redraw each entity shown on the original document, occasionally a dimension shown on the original document will conflict with the
measurement scaled by our operator. In such cases, the actual dimension shown on the document is used as the default. The scaled CAD dimension is shown in RED on
the "README" layer. Therefore, we can ensure that all of our conversions are dimensionally correct.
Establishing CAD Standards
CAD documents are used by many disciplines and for many purposes. Before beginning a CAD conversion project, many companies establish a set of internal guidelines to
make it easier to reuse drawings for multiple purposes. Such guidelines ensure seamless communication when CAD documents are created, used, or revised by
employees, consultants or contractors in multiple locations or by other software applications that work with CAD files. Conversion standards also automatically manage the
searching and indexing of large volumes of CAD files.
During our experience in the CAD conversion business, we have observed many different conversion standards. Given this knowledge base, we have created the following
list of 6 recommended standards that you may choose to consider when developing your own standards.
Drawing Standards
Several primary conversion standards should be adhered to during the translation of paper documents into CAD. These standards include the following:
File Name – Drawing Number
To easily identify a specific building or drawing, the converted CAD files should be saved using a combination of the building name/number and the sheet number. As
each document is converted, it should be added to an electronic index so that it can be quickly cross-referenced and located. The following example illustrates an easy to
locate filename convention:
Format: EJH00101.DWG
Where: E=Drawing Type (such as E=Electrical)
JH=Building number/name (such as Johnson Hall)
0101=Drawing sequence number (sheet number)
01=Revision number or letter
Layering Control
The most widely used set of layering standards was developed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). LUMINA automatically uses the AIA layering standards during
the conversion of a document unless a different set of standards has been provided by our client. Each layer is labeled using a consistent, easy-to-remember abbreviation.
The AIA Long Format consists of a single letter Major Group, a four letter Minor Group and a four letter Modifier. The major groups defined by the AIA include:
A Architectural
C Civil
E Electrical
F Fire protection
G General
H Hazardous materials
I Interiors
L Landscape
M Mechanical
P Plumbing
Q Equipment
R Resource
S Structural
T Telecommunications
X Other disciplines
Z Contractor/shop drawings
The colors for each layer should be consistent and all objects shall be drawn in color BYLAYER. This means that all objects assigned to a specific layer should be the same
color. Occasionally, the need to create a new layer can arise in cases when custom defined, or AIA layering standards are not available. Typically, any unused drawing
layers should be purged from the converted CAD document.
Text, Dimensions, Linetype Styles
Standard text fonts are ROMANS and ROMAND. Typically, a standard text height should be defined, however, the text width should be flexible to accommodate the contents
of each sheet. Often, in the case of a crowded sheet it may become necessary to adjust the text width to properly fit the text on the sheet. The following illustrates a text
style:
Example: 08ROMANS15
Where: 08=width factor=0.8=width of letter
ROMANS=font
15=oblique angle (omitted when set to 0)
Text Styles
Font File
Width
08ROMANS
ROMANS
0.8
0ROMANS
ROMANS
1.0
06ROMANS
ROMANS
0.1
Blocks
Blocks are common for repetitive entities that exist on a document, such as doors, windows, toilets, etc. To ensure that all employees, contractors, and consultants use
a consistent set of defined blocks, we recommend that a block legend be created. This legend should define all blocks. Blocks should be consistent among all drawings
included in a set of plans or a project. For example, if a call-out block "X" is used in one drawing, it must appear as the same block "X" in all other drawings. Blocks should
be created on Layer 0 and then inserted onto their correct layer in the drawing. When the block is inserted, it should be re-scaled to match the scale of the current drawing.
All blocks should be listed in the drawing index, while unreferenced blocks should be purged from the drawing.
Polygon Layer
CAD documents are often used by other software applications that work with CAD files. Architects and planners often need facility data such as the area square footage
of a room or a section of a building. Whereas, a structural engineer may need to find the cross-sectional area of a beam. The solution: add a polygon layer to the
document. The CAD operator simply draws a closed polygon over the top of each room and over the entire building. The polygon layer then enables the export of precise
information about the drawing such as room area, perimeter, location of an object, etc. that can be used with other software applications.
LUMINA Drafting Procedures