dimensions

[Anonymous]

We manufacture metal roofing panels. I'm looking for a program that can take a set of house plans from a CAD program and just get the roofing panels lengths. We are not CAD users, but the architects supply the drawings via paper or electronic. I don't want to change anything just be able to get lengths and dimensions off a set of plans. (basicaly click on the ridge and drag down to where the end of the roofing panel would be to see what the length should be) So what is the best, simplest and most economical system for me?

[leothebuilder]

If you just want to measure a Cad drawing, probably Autocad LT will do the trick but will cost you some $$$

Autodesk Design Review is a free program and allows you to measure and mark up.

[pendean]

>>>...but the architects supply the drawings via paper or electronic...<<<

Are the architects actually sharing CAD files? Most don't do that judging by your post, so you might want to ask around and confirm you are not just getting PDF or DWF files (or paper) and most CAD programs are the wrong tools for measuring those types of deliverables.

[scot-65]

Have them send (bound) DWF files.
Autodesk Design Review is free and can do measuring.
If measuring in plan view, be aware that the
line <rafter> lengths shown is not the actual linear
distance of the sloping roof (well, after all, you
do work for a company that makes roof panels...).

???