As an Architecture student, what architectural related computer programs should I pursue studying?
The essential software tool for any architect is a CAD program. Autodesk dominates the field with (AutoCAD and ADT but there are local differences such as Microstation in UK and Allplan in Germany (see CADalyst’s 2007 survey and Evolve Consultancy’s 2006 survey for further details).
The new kid on the block is Sketchup – well worth learning in depth as it is proving a surprisingly invaluable design tool in professional practice. Easy to use, great visuals for presentations and ties in to CAD programs and Google Earth!
When using the “zoom” command followed by (scale) 1:150 is achieved with a zoom scale of 66/10XP. How does this command work then? Why not enter 1/150XP?
First let us assume that you are using the command “mview” to creating windows in your presentation layout (or in paperspace depending on your version of AutoCAD). So, what units are you using?
Lets say you are metric and drawing in meters.
MODELSPACE: 1 unit = 1 m = 1000mm
And let us say that presentation is in millimetres (this is typically so for such layouts):
PRESENTATION/PAPERSPACE: 1unit = 1mm
So the drawing as seen through the window in the layout has to be scaled relative to that layout – hence we use the XP parameter.