topic Re: Scaling model drawn in meters - inquire in AutoCAD Forum

Scaling model drawn in meters - inquire

goki_terziev — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 11:17:27 GMT

Hi,

I just drawn a site plan in meters (768.67 m x 436.54 m is the size of picture).

I create two layouts with two different plot scales entered in Page setup manager. Below is explanation of these two:

1) First layout I set the plot scale 1 mm = 1 unit. Because Autocad works in units, that means site plan in model space even drawn in meters (768.67 m x 436.54 m), after inserting on A3 sheet (0.42 m x 0.297 m or 420 mm x 297 mm) will be scaled with a scale of 1:2, because Autocad convert the meter in units and mm in units as well. Therefore 768.67 m x 436.54 m are converted to 768.67 units x 436.54 units, which means with a scale of 1:2 it can fit on a A3 paper with dimensions 0.42 m x 0.297 m or 420 mm x 297 mm, because Autocad also converts these 420 mm x 297 mm into 420 units x 297 units. Therefore these scale in reality doesn't make sense and it is not true !!! Because it is not possible to fit an image with 768.67 m x 436.54 m on A3 paper with 1:2 scale. But after using -dwgunits command to transform everything to be meters, Autocad converted everything properly (dimensions, scales etc.) and now the scale is 1:2000, but in Scale setting the scale is again 1:2, only the name is written correct and automatically transformed by AutoCAD. Below screenshot.

2) Then I create a new layout where for the plot scale I enter 1 mm = 0.001 units.

This transform A3 paper from 420 units x 297 units to 0.42 x 0.297 units. Now the image with 768.67 units x 436.54 units fits to A3 paper using real scale of 1:2000. But now I used two scales one for plot scale where 1 mm = 0.001 units to scale down the A3 paper and other scale 1:2000 to scale down the image from model space and fit on the paper.

I have several question and inquires regarding this:

1. What is the final scale of this transformation since I use two scales ? Is it 1:2000?

2.How much 1 mm from paper space will represent on model space considering the second scenario and second transformation where 1 mm = 0.001 unit?

3.Is it possible to draw ruler scale legend like the ones used in google maps, google earth etc.?

Key points: In both scenarios the scale is 1:2000, however in first scenario the scale name is only written correctly by Autocad 1:2000, but the real scale is 1:2.

Thanks for help.

Gligor

Re: Scaling model drawn in meters - inquire

dany_rochefort — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 20:15:19 GMT

Dont confuse Viewport Scale & Plot Scale. It's 2 different things.

- Correct setup is Scale 1:2000 on A3 Sheet.

- Plot scale must always be 1:1 if your are using Templates in Paperspace (because Paperscape items are always 1:1)

Setup should be excatly like this:

Re: Scaling model drawn in meters - inquire

goki_terziev — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:32:13 GMT

@dany_rochefort I really don't understand what do you mean "Only modify this plot scale setting if your templates are in model space". Below screenshot of my template.

For ex. If I use the template shown above in model space and directly draw (import) my site plan (picture) in this template, then what I understand is that only in this case you suggest correcting the plot scale? That means I will be scaling the whole model space (everything that is drawn, import on model space) at once, once when I want to put on paper space?

But that means if I use the above template in model space which has dimension as A3 paper (420 mm x 297 mm), I will have to scale up in order to fit my site plan which has dimensions 768.67 m x 436.54 m. Because in model space I use meters and for template and in paper space I use mm (there is no option to use meter in page setup manager).

Conclusion: As I understand till now Autocad converts everything in units, which means 100 m in model space will be 100 units, and 100 mm in paper space will be again 100 units. But in reality this is wrong. And in order to avoid further confusions I think that best case is to stick with one unit in both spaces (model and paper), mm or inches, because these two units are only available in page setup manager and for plot scale !!!

Please tell me what you think @dany_rochefort and thanks for your feedback.

Re: Scaling model drawn in meters - inquire

dany_rochefort — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:27:10 GMT

@goki_terziev Yes i think you understand what i am saying.

- If your are using a template in Model: you must scale template to fit your work, and modify scale scale in plot setting

- If you are using a template in Paperspace, template is not scaled, and plot scale setting = 1:1

Here are 2 examples of a perfect A3 template plot setup, in Model Space and Paperspace. If you can replicate exacly these settings than you will be able to plot to scale in both Papersace or Modelspace.

Re: Scaling model drawn in meters - inquire

dany_rochefort — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:33:03 GMT

Pratice using a scale of 1:1 and printing off your drawing to see if you are doing it correctly.

If you can do this, you are printing to scale correclty.

Re: Scaling model drawn in meters - inquire

goki_terziev — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:57:38 GMT

@dany_rochefort thank you very much for your effort and explanation man. Truly appreciate your effort !! Now it's way more clear !