TAKEOFF Custom Scales

[kfieldEXYNJ]

Currently there is a drop down with select scales to choose from when performing 2D takeoffs (see attached image for options).

I recognize that there is the option to use the calibrate tool if you have a different scale then what is shown, but it is requested that there is a "custom scale" feature that can be used to directly input any scale. 

[membrec]

Hi @kfieldEXYNJ ,

Thank you for the feedback. So we can better prioritize this potential enhancement, can you help me understand why setting a scale explicitly would be more desirable than using the calibration tool? I expect the outcome should be the same either way, or am I missing something.

Thanks

Chico

[kfieldEXYNJ]

Thanks for reaching out!
Most of the time, setting the scale using the scale bar and calibration tool works fine.
However, we have run into the following two situations where having the ability to add custom scales would be useful:

* Sometimes we received drawings from our Clients (not produced by us) for a "Probable cost" estimate. This is usually at the very early concept stage. When they send us these drawings, sometimes they are not full resolution, and the "snap" feature doesn't work. Say the scale on the drawing is 1:250, and there isn't an option in the drop down, they we need to go to the scale bar / calibration tool and try over and over again until we get the 1:250 scale (sometime the first calibration will be 1:246, then 1:253, then 1:251, etc.).
* Other times, some of our departments don't even have a scale bar (although I don't agree with this, it is how they do it for various reason). This doesn't allow the ability to use the calibration tool in conjunction with the scale bar. In those situation, we need to fine a random measurement on the drawing to calibrate it, but sometimes we have the same problem as above with the scale not being exactly 1:250.
I have received about a dozen complaints about this from my company (we just got unlimited TAKEOFF licenses as part of the pre-construction bundle), so just sharing.

[membrec]

These are very helpful details. Thank you!

[membrec]

Hi @kfieldEXYNJ ,

I wanted to let you know that we've made a small enhancment to custom scale settings. Now, when using the calibrate tool, if the scale results in a non-standard sheet scale:

1. It will be represented with a customer (decimal) format

2. Custom scales will be reusable on other sheets, via a Custom section that appears in the scale picker when they are available

I hope these enhancements are helpful!

Best,

Chico

  

[kfieldEXYNJ]

Thanks for following up, Chico — I actually came across this recently as well, and it's definitely a helpful feature!

I was wondering if there’s been any discussion around allowing users to manually input a custom scale, rather than relying solely on the calibration tool. We occasionally receive preliminary drawings from clients that don’t include a scale bar, so having that flexibility would be really useful.

Another potential enhancement could be the ability to apply separate scales for the x and y axes. This would be especially helpful when working with exaggerated cross sections, where the horizontal and vertical scales often differ.

Would love to hear if either of these ideas have been considered!

[membrec]

Hi @kfieldEXYNJ ,

The first one has certainly been considered, but we haven't been able to commit to it yet, with all the other priorities we are juggling.

The second one we don't get this request very often. I'm not a technical person, but I also suspect this would be a challenging project, not a simple one. The first request is more straightforward.

Best,

Chico

[bwilkinsYUFT7]

I would also like the ability to enter Custom Scales. A scale of 1:300 is not that unique when it comes to site plans, yet it is not one of your preset options, and I often have site plans that won't even have a dimension on it anywhere (conceptual plans) that I can calibrate off and need to do a trial and error calibration until I get it correct.

It is much more accurate, quicker, and easier to just have a Set Custom Scale option.