5. Output and Deliverables

We must not abandon any medium for communicating with clients and team members. Just as we continue to build physical models while producing computer animations, we require flexibility and predictability in extracting two-dimensional drawings from the electronic building model. There is also a need to output digital representations of the building model that can be accessed through a variety of software products.

The design and construction industry, not software vendors, must define CAD data compatibility and support the development of non-biased compatibility tests to assure firms that they can output fully compatible drawings and models. Once we as an industry are convinced that we can achieve true compatibility, we must convince the design professionals within public agencies and owner facilities departments that the data they receive will be truly compatible with their software. This will require a national-level educational activity.

5.1. Requirements for output:
  5.1.1. Ability to control data organization and plotted appearance by applying customizable templates
  5.1.2. Ability to utilize out-of-house plotting services
  5.1.3. Ability to accurately (WYSIWYG) preview both monochrome and color output
  5.1.3.1. Color
  5.1.3.2. Line weights
  5.1.3.3. Fill patterns
  5.1.3.4. Symbology
  5.1.3.5. Text fonts
  5.1.4. Ability to output information easily in different views and scales
  5.1.5. Ability to output multiple views and multiple scales on the same drawing
  5.1.6. Ability to output to and import from office, presentation and desktop publishing applications
  5.1.6.1. PhotoShop
  5.1.6.2. PageMaker
  5.1.6.3. PowerPoint
  5.1.6.4. Word
  5.1.6.5. Excel
  5.1.7. Ability to output data from multiple applications on the same sheet of paper
  5.1.8. Software intelligent enough to adjust output resolution to suit the output device and paper size
  5.1.9. Ability to generate spreadsheets and word processing documents from the drawings; e.g.: generate a drawing list from the index page.
  5.1.10. Dynamic model becomes an output delivered to clients and partners
5.2. Requirements for electronic deliverables
  5.2.1. Bi-directional compatibility with AutoCAD and MicroStation
  5.2.1.1. Data must behave as if it were created there
  5.2.1.2. Ability to bring legacy data forward into new CAD systems
  5.2.1.3. Tools to facilitate conversion of 2D drawings into parametric building models
  5.2.2. Ability to comply with client-specified CAD standards
  5.2.2.1. Layers
  5.2.2.2. Symbology
  5.2.2.3. Associated non-graphic data
  5.2.2.4. Drafting conventions (dimensions, text, etc.)
  5.2.3. Availability of standardized, comprehensive data compatibility tests

Back