Automating existing Floor Plan layers

[Anonymous]

Hello all.

I want to start off by saying that I am by no means a CAD expert or engineer so please bare with my ignorance.  

My team and I are working on a project that requires us to simplify 108 CAD floor plans (Office space) down to basic structural layers to show the floor's core, all walls, doors and windows - we are looking to identify the total space/SF and usable area in the rented space. 

My question is, are there any scripts available that automate the process of turning off particular layers based on their name (I know names are not consistent), line type, or ID?  It would be great if we didn't have to go in and turn everything on or off by hand, we are in a bit of a time crunch.

Thank you all for reading!

[dbroad]

Look into layer states.  You can export and import a layer state.  Assuming all 108 floors use the same layer names, it should be a snap to do one, export it and then import it into the rest.

[Anonymous]

Thank you sir!

I think that will work for a few of them. Unfortunately, the other plans are from about 20+ different architecture firms so the layer names are all different.

One thought, is it possible to identify a structure or item based on the tool used to create the shape?  We use Adobe CS over here so we were thinking about tool types and we were wondering if each item in a CAD drawing - say a window or a retaining wall - required a certain tool to draw it?

If that is the case we thought it may be possible to write a script that picks up on key strokes or line density? Or are we nuts?

[dbroad]

The first thing you need to do on a project is to get together with the team and establish project standards.  AutoCAD Architecture is naturally project standard compliant and can automatically create industry standard layer settings and use industry standard styles.  Having to make changes after the fact is inherently a fail.

If everyone uses AutoCAD Architecture, each type of element is automatically given a layer name and layer settings according to a layer key style.

It is possible also to use a laytrans command to translate layers to a common standard from each firm.  Once the set of drawings has been translated, everything is good to go.

[Anonymous]

Thank you - honeslty you have been extremely helpful.

A few questions though: 

1) By standards are you referening to BOMA etc? If so, the floor plans we are gathering are coming from all over the country so it may be tough to get standards in place. I suppose we can work with the building owners to figure out how they are measuring the space. 

2) Our team is recieving the DWG files from many different locations. Most of the files have been generated by Landlord/Architects (as-built space) before we get them. Is it possible to import the mixed files into Autocad Architecture to view the elements? Or does the original drawing need to be generated in AC Arch?

3) Laytrans sounds like it is the best option to create universal standards within our internal system. None of us are familar with it but we will dig into it tonight. Do you possibly have any links to material explaning the command?

Thank you again for your help!

[dbroad]

I am not familiar with BOM standards but do not believe they address CAD layering standards.  The National CAD standard however does. The AIA also addresses them.

AutoCAD Architecture can view any AutoCAD base file but once saved in AutoCAD Architecture, it may add objects that plain AutoCAD can view with object enablers but cannot edit. Versioning is also an issue.  It is best if the same version of AutoCAD Architecture is used by all team members.

Use the AutoCAD help.  Just push the help button on the laytrans dialog.  Learning by experimenting is recommended.