Cadalyst - January 2008 - (Page 31)

cadlabsreview Changes in any reference file automatically update the viewports on what Nemetschek calls the sheet layer. Viewports, introduced in version 11, behave essentially like AutoCAD’s paper space, and the VectorWorks design layer is effectively equivalent to AutoCAD’s model space. Switching between VectorWorks viewports and the design layer, therefore, is very much like toggling AutoCAD between paper space and model space. VectorWorks 2008 expands beyond the AutoCAD analogy with features such as the ability to reference multiple design layer viewports into another design layer, which provides the ability to align elements with respect to each other to show both 2D and 3D views to demonstrate how changes in the model affect the plans and vice versa. VectorWorks 2008 referencing is not limited to VectorWorks-generated content. The external reference file capability includes support for imported DXF and DWG files; image files such as aerial photos, which can be scaled; and bitmaps, PDFs, and georeferenced data. By combining reference files and design layer viewports, it’s possible to create some very slick workflows with VectorWorks 2008. One such workflow, developed by VectorWorks 2008 users, is called the shuttle file — a kind of clean container for imported DXF and DWG files, such that successive imports can be compared to review the history of changes in the imported file before accepting it into the VectorWorks 2008 project. A further refinement in VectorWorks 2008 reference files will come as a welcome relief to anyone who’s ever forgotten to bind the xrefs in an AutoCAD file. Instead of viewing nothing, VectorWorks 2008 still allows users to see the externally referenced information. Figure 2. Flexible CAD management features in VectorWorks 2008 complement the ability to support multiple users across multiple projects while maintaining firmwide and project standards. Management Material The downside to any multiuser, team-oriented design/documentation software tool is that enabling multiple users also enables the possibility of inconsistent use of resources, styles, standards, and the like by those multiple users. This is where CAD management features come in, and VectorWorks 2008 now offers a surprisingly robust and comprehensive set of CAD management tools (figure 2). Consistent with Nemetschek’s overall software design philosophy, VectorWorks 2008’s CAD management tools nicely balance power with ease of use. Logical, central locations can be established and enforced to store all resources, customizations, libraries, and standards, right down to wall styles and color palettes. Locking of folders and files at the CAD manager’s discretion is a function of the operating system (Mac or Windows), not a separate scheme within the application. Unlike previous versions, in which backups were local only, VectorWorks 2008 now supports serverbased backup. Another key management benefit of VectorWorks 2008 is the improvement to working methods throughout the user interface. For example, the view bar across the top of the main screen interface provides immediate informa- tion feedback about angles, views, and zooms at the same eye level as most menu commands, rather than in a bottom-of-the-screen status line. This arrangement allows users to keep their focus closer to the point of work onscreen. Similarly, the right-click context menu for every object and element in a drawing has an editable list of commands, options, and tools that lets users move their choice of action from the tool palettes directly to the point of work. As CAD/ BIM monitors grow ever larger, this ability of VectorWorks 2008 to help users focus becomes more valuable. VectorWorks has always had a smart cursor functionality that was once unique to this product. VectorWorks 2008 adds a heads-up floating data display near the focus of action of the cursor, with data relevant to whatever’s being worked on (such as lines and angles). Other nice touches include highlighting of object selections and multiple selections (in a dense drawing, these highlights may be easier to see than traditional handles and grips, which are still provided as well). Even the icons — in both the Mac and Windows interfaces — have been freshened up and made more legible and more logical (figure 3, p. 32). Can’t We All Get Along? VectorWorks always had strong import/export capabilities, and the latest version is no exception. Notwithstanding Autodesk’s efforts to establish TrueDWG as the industry benchmark, everyone else in the industry, including Nemetschek, communicates very well in the real world www.cadalyst.com | cadalyst | January 2008 31 http://www.cadalyst.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - January 2008

Cadalyst - January 2008 Contents Editor's Window Cad Central Chasing the Dolphins CAD that Won’t Break the Bank AliasStudio 2008 — Design and Visualization Software VectorWorks 2008 — CAD/BIM Authoring Software Dell Precision M4300 — Mobile Workstation What’s in Store for 2008? Low- or No-Cost CAD Goliath Reinvented Doin’ the DEED Cad Cartoon Issue Indexes The Return of Hot Tip Harry

Cadalyst - January 2008

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