CAD Drafting -- 10 Guidelines for Conforming with ISO 13567
CAD data sets are in default conformance with ISO 13567 when (1) the field names, field length, field definition and field order are as listed below and, (2) they are accompanied by the required layer naming system definition file. The U.S. NCS adheres to this standard.
In addition, ISO 13567 establishes rules for modifying the layer format itself, in the event that national standards bodies or specific projects may desire to do so. As long as these rules are followed, the CAD data set is considered to be in conceptual conformance with the ISO standard, which is an approved alternative to default conformance.
These rules for conceptual conformance require that the mandatory data fields must always be used, but the order of all fields in the layer name (both mandatory and optional), the number of optional ields used, and the number of characters in each field can vary from the default ISO layer format. Additionally, the names of the fields can differ from the names specified, as long as the conceptual definition of each field conforms to the ISO standard. If you decide to modify the ISO standard, you must make sure that all modifications to the default layer format must be are applied uniformly throughout the project.
Here is a 10-step summary of the U.S. NCS and ISO 13567 Implementation Guidelines
1. Require that all documents be prepared only under the supervision of the design professional typically responsible for the subject matter contained in the documents.
2. Do not use the field code “ANNO” in any layer name.
3. Determine whether the Discipline Designator will be one character or two characters in length.
4. Determine whether the “building element” will consist of a Major Group only, or of a Major Group and one Minor Group.
5. Determine whether a Minor Group is to be reserved for Drawing View field codes, and fix its position in the sequence of fields.
6. Determine whether a Minor Group is to be reserved for Annotation field codes, and fix its position in the sequence of fields.
7. Only two Minor Groups are available can be exercised on a given project.
8. Determine whether to include the Status field in the layer name and whether to use the specified letters to denote “Status,” or the specified numbers to denote “Phase.”
9. For layer names in which one or more fields are not required, use placeholders (dashes or nderscores) to maintain consistent layer name length and the relative positions of fields.
10. Prepare a layer naming system definition file in accordance with ISO 13567-3 that defines the selected layer format for the project.
For more information on ISO 13567 or any CAD-related question, consult one of our CAD experts. It's FREE!
Check List for R2V Conversion
Good Housekeeping During Scanning
Most of the problems that people have when trying to convert raster to vector images can be solved with a few good housekeeping tips applied prior to beginning the R2V conversion process. 
Some of these very basic issues can be taken care of at the time that the drawing is scanned. A good-quality scanner with good scanning software enables image controls and adjustments such as:
- Rotating, Aligning and Deskewing the image
- Sharpening, Smoothing and Despeckling the image
- Adjusting the black/white levels and RGB levels to make sure that the drawing lines are solid
Automatic R2V Conversion
Once you have the best quality scan that your equipment and software can provide, then you can begin the process of R2V conversion. There are a number of commercially available software tools that help to automate the R2V conversion process. These “automatic” conversion packages work best with really good raster images.
For instance, most R2V conversion software includes a technology called "gap jumping," which enables them to "jump" over small line breaks during the vectorization process and close the gaps. However if the lines on your raster image are very broken, this automatic feature will not work. In this case, it requires an expert draftsman to draw new lines over the broken ones. This can be one of the sticking points for someone who is not experienced in R2V conversion.
CAD Expert Required
Another sticking point for automatic vectorization programs is on parts of the image where parallel or concentric entities touch. Where the lines touch, the automatic program gets “confused” and is likely to make mistakes. This is another area where a CAD expert can quickly look at the drawing and make a hand-drawn adjustment to preserve the integrity of the design.
Additionally, some hatch patterns will not auto- vectorize well. With dot-type hatch patterns, it may be best to remove them completely using the R2V converter's despeckle command. In this case, once the drawing is vectorized, a CAD expert will need to replace the hatches in the CAD program.
There are a number of other situations where we recommend the intervention of a CAD expert, even when using an automatic R2V converter. These include: (1) Merged entities; (2) Blurry lines; (3) Low resolution lines; and, (4) Areas where information is laid on top of other information in the drawing.
Make sure you specify CAD Perfect® conversions when you get outside experts to help with your R2V conversion project.
How to Choose a CAD Conversion Outsource
So you’re thinking about outsourcing your CAD Conversion work in order to save your company time and money. But, how do you choose the right CAD Conversion Outsource?
First, what type of CAD outsourcing do you need? Are you looking for a source that will scan paper drawings and convert them to CAD? Are you looking for someone to convert raster files to vector? Or convert one CAD file to another? Or go from 2D to 3D CAD? 
If you’re looking for one particular type of conversion, and have a small project, you may be able to find a single individual that you can hire on an outsource basis who has the skills that you need. However, if you’re looking for a variety of CAD conversion jobs, or a sophisticated service, such as converting 2D to 3D, or if you have more than just a few drawings, then you’ll likely do better finding a company with varied experience and expertise. An internet search is a great place to start looking.
We suggest starting with a list of 6-10 possible companies, then narrowing them down to 3-5 that you want to get quotes from. Just how do you narrow your initial list down and then choose that final offer?
Here are a few guidelines:
- Look for a vendor that has handled similar projects in the past. This will show that they have the capabilities that you need no matter how big or how small your project is.
- Make sure that they have sufficient manpower and capabilities to get your project completed in the time frame you require.
- Ask about the certifications they have and whether they have more than one employee with the same or similar certifications. You don’t want your project stopped mid-stream if someone gets sick or leaves the company.
- Find out what type of facilities they have. Redundancy in computer equipment and scanning equipment is always a plus.
- Lowest cost is not necessarily the best choice. Smaller companies may offer a lower bid, but you’re not saving money if they don’t have the manpower or experience to handle your project.
- Ask for references from past clients who have had projects that most resemble your project and budge. This will give you a better idea about what it’s like to work with that CAD outsourcing company.
In the end, it comes down to choosing the CAD conversion outsource company that you’re most comfortable with. Especially if this is your first time for CAD outsourcing, it’s important to find an outsource that you can trust. You’ll be sending them your project assets and you want to rest easily knowing that they’ll take care of them
Customer service and accurate work are paramount to a CAD conversion company. The end result is heavily affected by the client-vendor working experience. Outsourcing relies a lot on contact through exchanging ideas, sending understandable feedback, and working together to make the project a success. If you’re not comfortable dealing with the people you’re outsourcing to, it simply won’t work, because you won’t want to interact with them.
Raster to Vector Using WiseImage Software
WiseImage is a commercially available software package that helps to automate the process of raster to vector conversion.
Who uses WiseImage?
WiseImage is a solution for anyone who needs to restore, update or revise a raster or vector drawing.
WiseImage works over a wide range of applications – GIS, cadastral, aerial and satellite image processing, architecture, engineering, schematics and others.
WiseImage Features We Like
- Native CAD-style interface with command line and layouts with viewports
- High end image processing
- Works exactly like a CAD application
- Processes raster files as well as the best image processing application
- Premium raster tools process scanned drawings, imagery, or other raster graphics
- “Hybrid” feature lets users work with raster and vectors together as if it is a single vector drawing.
WiseImage’s Benefits
- Advanced solution for raster, vector and raster-to-vector conversion
- Powerful suite of lets you edit scanned drawings and maps easily
- Saves redrafting time and accelerates productivity
- Automatic R2V and V2R conversion
In Conclusion
WiseImage is 2D CAD standalone application for raster editing, raster-to-vector conversion and drawing revision. WiseImage enables quick changes, editing and correction, or automatic and semi-automatic raster-to-vector conversation of technical drawings, scanned maps, plans, drafts, sketches and other graphics. It blends raster and vector with CAD functionality and image processing capabilities
WiseImage is one of the many raster to vector tools that we use here at CAD/CAM Services, Inc. We can help you decide if it's a tool you should use.
CAD Drafting – Changes in 2D and 3D Design
CAD, or computer aided design has been around since the 1980’s.
The early versions of CAD were all 2D CAD. These programs become popular quickly because of their affordability and their ability to run on personal computers. More importantly CAD programs enabled engineers to do their own drafting work as part of the design process. This elimination of drafting personnel was a first step in reducing design overhead, in both financial cost and time cost.
Today’s CAD software packages may focus on the traditional 2D drafting systems (vector drafting) or they may be 3D design systems which deal in solid and surface models. Some modern CAD packages even allow rotations in three dimensions, allowing viewing of a designed object from any angle. Some modern CAD software is capable of dynamic mathematical modeling, in which case it may be marketed as CADD , which stands for computer-aided design and drafting.
Different types of CAD require the CAD operator to think differently about how to use them to design. 
Lower-end 2D systems provide an approach to the drawing process that is similar to the old-school hand drafting, but without concern over scale and placement on the drawing sheet that accompanied hand drafting. Computerized drafting enables scale and placement to be adjusted as required during the creation of the final draft.
Higher-end 3D systems require the CAD operator to use what is referred to as "design intent". Sean Dotson of Autodesk defines design intent as “the act of capturing intelligence in your model by means of parametric and geometric relationships that define the fit and function of the part.”
Design intent provides a “perfect world" representation of the component that enables future revisions and changes of one section within the model to be interpreted throughout the design so that the engineer can see the results of the change in the overall design, rather than just as a basic shape change in one section. This means that the designer must consider the consequences of any changes that he makes.
CAD has truly come a long way in the years since its introduction in the 1980’s. According to Wikipedia, CAD is used in many applications, including automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design, prosthetics, and many more. CAD is also widely used to produce computer animation for special effects in movies, advertising and technical manuals. Even perfume bottles and shampoo dispensers are designed using techniques unheard of by engineers of the 1960s. Because of its enormous economic importance, CAD has been a major driving force for research in computational geometry, computer graphics (both hardware and software), and discrete differential geometry.
Advantages of 2D to 3D CAD Conversion
In today’s design world, 3D models are the preferred option for easy visualization. So, what do you do with all of your legacy 2D CAD drawings when you move to a 3D design system, such as Revit, Solid Works, Catia, or another 3D program?
The process of converting a 2D drawing into a 3D model can seem complicated, even when using some of the popular 3D modeling tools like AutoCAD, SolidEdge and Microstation. Two of the most important parts of the conversion process are (1) understanding the process itself; and, being well-schooled in the software that you’re using. Remember that the aim of this technology is to simplify the process of creating 3D part models from existing 2D CAD drawings.
Since 2D drafting is still widely in use, it is important to be able to convert both legacy drawings and newly created drawings into 3D models. This conversion from 2D to 3D is important in aiding us to visualize the finished product. Our brains are simply better able to do this type of visualization from a 3D virtual object than they are from a 2D drawing. While 2D drafting tools are able to provide sufficient data about an object, only 3D modeling techniques can help engineers and designers to spot problems and make solutions for these problems before the actual building of the physical object. So, 3D technology can provide companies with competitive advantages
Advantages of 3D Solid Modeling
- Helps prevent costs overruns and design delays
- Shorter design cycles
- Better product design information
Choosing the appropriate CAD tools requires users to consider a lot more than just drawing productivity. 3D solid modeling provides more immediate design integrity by allowing users to view a very realistic image of an object. 3D CAD models they are less prone to errors than 2D CAD drawings.
All of these are compelling reasons for converting from 2D CAD drawings to 3D CAD models.
What can you do with a large format scanner?
Scanners are tools. And like any job, things are easier when you have the right tools. But what is the job? What are you going to use the scanner for? Who is going to use it? What will you do with the results? What are the current problems, challenges or issues you would like to overcome with a wide format scanner? Will the cost of buying a scanner be offset by added business, or making your office more efficient?
Here are four main scenarios where large format scanners are most useful:
Companies are capturing more documents than ever before. Why? Creating a digital archive of all your documents (not just the small stuff) ensures you are never without your information in the future. Whether it’s a big archiving project, or your day-to-day backup scan, having the right scanner and software means you’ll save time and the cost of outsourcing your oversized scanning. If you already have an efficient workflow for your standard size documents, you’ll need a scanner that can adapt and fit easily – not slow you down.
Already own a wide format printer? Adding a scanner adds capabilities that allow you to get the most out of both. If you’re making copies for your customers, or for project collaboration, having a color-capable wide format scanner that works seamlessly with your printer (or printers) is a must. When the job is larger, demands on the scanner are even greater to deliver fast scans to multiple printers – without wasting time connecting or adjusting.
- Email and Share
In a collaborative work environment, a large format scanner can enable simple sharing of concepts, project proposal materials, document revisions, drawing changes, and more. The ideal scanning solution works with your office – connecting to your network, workstations, and printers, and scanning to email and to shared file servers. So whether your team is local or remote, your information should never be tied-down.
Sometimes, the scanned image is just the starting point. Document editing and revision often begins with scanning a hard copy. Especially when the document is old – getting a clean, high quality scan can make the difference between capturing all of the information you need, or only some. Redrawing old maps from scratch and updating drawings by hand also takes valuable time. Using specialized software with a large format scanner can handle this work for you quickly, reliably and accurately capturing your documents for further enhancement, editing or conversion.
Conclusion
Chances are you probably need to address at least one of the above scenarios. So it’s great news that a wide format scanner can satisfy all of these needs. Maybe you even see further uses for a scanner in your office. But which scanner?
Large Format Scanners – What Kinds of Documents?
Some large format scanners are designed to handle very specific types of documents properly, while some other large format scanners offer higher degrees of versatility and the ability to scan just about anything. Before you purchase a large format scanner, consider what kind of documents you need to scan or copy.
Some of the types of drawings you may need to scan include:
- Technical Drawings
- Maps
- Photos and Artwork
Technical drawings, including CAD plots, sketches, planning maps , or other documents with line information are the most common documents scanned, as most manufacturing, design, and construction plans are designed in large format. So logically, most wide format scanners can capture this type of content. But don’t forget that the media type is also very important. Many old drawings are printed on anything from plain paper to linen to long-life materials like Mylar. They are also commonly stored rolled, folded, or hanging to save space in the pre-digital age.
Since maps are also commonly simple large format in size, most scanners can scan handle these documents very well. But the same rules apply as above – the media type and condition are very important. When scanning maps for data or feature extraction, the accuracy of the scanner is often critical as well. Some maps are also more photographic – with smooth color transitions and high color detail. As with technical line drawings, you may also have maps with very fine lines and text that require a higher quality scan to reproduce accurately.
Photos, Artwork, and other graphics-based documents are often the most demanding of a scanner’s versatility as they cover a wider range of media types and usually require high levels of color accuracy to preserve the detail of the original. A versatile large format scanner can handle very thick or very thin media while preserving correct colors and shading and capturing fine lines just as well.
Don’t forget to consider your primary use for the scanner; If you need to serve customers that span across different industries, with different documents, you also need a more flexible solution to keep their business, or expand your services. However, if your office is only scanning plain paper CAD plots with some color mark-up, then you don’t need the added capability to “scan it all”.
Choosing a Document Imaging Company for Scan to CAD
Document imaging services for your CAD drawings generally provide scanning services as well as OCR, indexing, and conversion to your preferred CAD format. Whether your organization is large or small, you can make use of an outsourced document imaging service for you Scan to CAD project. Outsourcing generally gets the job done faster than relying on internal resources to find the time away from their regular routine duties.
There are many CAD document imaging companies, so how do you know which one to choose? Here are a few things that you should consider before hiring a CAD document imaging company:
What Type of Services Does the CAD Imaging Company Provide?
Some companies provide only document scanning service, while others offer complete document management services,including converting too your preferred CAD file. List your requirements and find a company that meets them.
How Long Has the Company Been in Business?
Generally, more experience is better. Especially if you are having the company turn the scanned files into specific CAD format files. You will want to make sure that the company has sufficient experience with CAD conversions. An experienced firm will have an extensive CAD library that will shorten their standard conversion time.
Where Will the Company Scan your CAD Documents?
This is a very important question. If your CAD documents are very sensitive and confidential, then you might prefer to hire a company that will scan the documents on-site. Otherwise, a company that offers document imaging facility only at its premises will do. We like a company that offers both options. This usually shows that they have had varied experience.
What Does the Company Do To Ensure the Safety and Security of Your Documents?
Security is one of the biggest concerns that organizations have when hiring a document imaging firm. Before hiring the firm, you should check what type of steps the company takes to ensure the security of the documents. If you have classified CAD documents, you will want to hire a firm that employees technicians with security clearances.
What Will the CAD Document Imaging Cost?
You should compare the rates of several firms, and get written bids. This will help you to know the prevailing rates of the services you need. Some ompanies have multiple locations for their CAD scanning services, which may be helpful if you are consolidating documents from several geographic locations. Most importantly, never compromise on quality for price – always choose a service that provides value for the cost.
CAD/CAM services is an experience document imaging and CAD conversion firm that offers quality CAD document imaging and CAD conversion at a very competitive price.
3D CAD – A Primer
3D CAD comes in different “flavors” that are used differently and that require the CAD technicians to design their virtual components in a different manner for each. Here is a list of the types of 3D CAD this article discusses:
- 3D wireframe
- 3D "dumb" solids
- 3D parametric solid modeling
3D wireframe, while not often used today, is worth mentioning simply because the approach 
to 3D wireframe is similar to that used in 2D CAD systems. Persons familiar with 2D CAD will understand these concepts: (1) each line has to be manually inserted into the drawing; (2) the final product has no mass properties associated with it; (3) the final product cannot have features added directly to it. The wireframe model is used to make the final engineering drawing views.
3D "dumb" solids, also not often used today, are created in a ways similar to manipulations 
of real world objects. Basic three-dimensional geometric forms , such as prisms, cylinders, spheres, etc. have solid volumes added or subtracted from them, as if assembling or cutting real-world objects. These models allow for easy two-dimensional projected views to be generated. Basic 3D solids don't usually include tools to easily allow motion of components, set limits to their motion, or identify interference between components.
3D parametric solid modeling requires the operator to use what is referred to as "design intent". Design intent simply means that the purpose of the design is taken into account 
when creating the model. How the design will be used dictates the relationship between features in parts and parts assemblies. If a feature is intended to be located from the center of the part, the CAD technician needs to locate it from the center of the model, just as it will be in real life. This is very different from “dumb” models, where the feature could be located from some more convenient area in the 3D drawing, so it would “look” correct, but, not in fact, represent the real world.
Parametric solids require the operator to consider the consequences of his actions carefully, because the objects and features created are adjustable. And just as in real life, moving a feature even a fraction of an inch may adversely affect other features, depending on how the original part was designed.
Parametric 3D solid modeling provides a virtual image of the design that can be rotated, manipulated, retrieved and modified at any time.
About 3D CAD Services
CAD/CAM Services, Inc. employees professional engineers and architects who are experience in all aspects of 3D CAD. We work with architectural drawings, manufacturing drawings, aerospace drawings, defense department drawings and any other types you may have. When you need any work on a 3D CAD file, we can do it fast and at a very low cost. We can convert hardcopy documents into any 3D CAD program such as Revit, Solid Works, Catia, and other 3D programs.