Dimensioning in AutoCAD Architecture 2008

Well, I have to admit, I am impressed sometimes by small things. Here is something I've discovered recently in AutoCAD Architecture 2008 while working on materials for Autodesk.

AEC Dimensions are really nicely implemented. I used to really hate any kind of automated dimensions, with the exception of Revit. Here though are some really nice useful dimensions. As is illustrated in the first image, first you place a chain of dimensions. As you can see the 2nd and 3rd are the same overall dimension. So the AEC dimension object allows you to add objects, like the interior walls illustrated in the 2nd image.


Now the result gives me 2 problems, one the wall openings chain of dimensions is interrupted by dimensioning the the interior wall partition faces, and second the interior wall dimensions are in the wrong place and really should dimension to the center of the interior partition.


Here is where a variety of grips take over in the AEC Dimension object. One allows you to take one chain and move it, as is illustrated in illustration 3. The others allow you to manipulate the extension lines in the chain, removing extra dimension lines, and allowing you to change the interior partitions dimensions to center (albeit in 2 steps).


So there you go I'm impressed, it's a great improvement. We wrote all about it in the upcoming AutoCAD Architecture 2008 Essentials, and it will be available as an e-learning download to AutoCAD Architecture 2008 subscription customers.