Can I automatically create a section or elevation from a 2D plan?

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I recently came across a pdf document and a few YouTube videos that stated I could create sections and elevations of my 2D plans using AutoCad Architecture. I've experimented with the 'section mark' tool but have had no luck.

To reiterate, I'm wondering if it's possible to automatically create sections of a building based solely on a 2D floorplan? It doesn't seem like it would be impossible, due to the complicated nature and need for the building to be modelled in 3 dimensions. 

Many thanks

[dbroad]

The answer is obviously not. AutoCAD can't automatically turn 2D linework into an elevation. It can draw elevations semi-automatically if you draw the AEC objects using the ACA objects (walls, doors, windows, etc.) They appear 2D and you can use them for 2D purposes only or can fully model the building in 3D.

[Anonymous]

 Thanks for the reply dbroad. So to generate a section/elevation/3D model from a 2D floorplan I'd have to manually add lines & AEC objects etc., there's no automatic process? Sorry for the questions, I'm fairly new to this and I'm trying to teach myself.

Thanks

[leothebuilder · Accepted solution]

You will need to "model" your building with AEC walls, doors, windows etc. to enable ACA to create elevations and sections using the "elevation" and "section" tools.

[dbroad · Accepted solution]

To add to what @leothebuilder said, lines don't count here. Just AEC model objects.  You can convert lines to walls but probably not how you would imagine.  

[pendean]

Friend, you are assuming CAD is magical, when in reality it's just like drawing on paper with a pencil (or pen). A line drawn on paper means nothing without at least "notes", and "notes" do not generate the sections and details anyone trying got build your "line" needs to detail it.

The same is in CAD: a line is nothing, a section requires you to predefine the content of that section first and use that definition (in this case an AEC object) to draw with instead of the line. And so on, and so forth.

Do you understand the concept better now? Automagical software doesn't exist, the drafter/creator somehow somewhere has to predefine all the elements first then use them to draw with them.

Hope that helps.

[Victoria.Studley]

Hi @Anonymous,

It looks like there are a few good explanations here. Did any of them help point you in the right direction?

If so, please click Accept as Solution on the posts that helped you so others in the community can find them easily.