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3. Concepts to Speed Graphic Generation

.1 File Conversion

Several complexes have computerized the space management floor plates on an AutoCad system. Most AutoCad system information can be transferred electronically to most file formats. In most cases too much information is stored on AutoCad for good video screen presentation graphics. It is normally necessary to sit with a CAD operator and get only the simplest floor plate information on the screen and remove all layers before output to .DXF files. Text information usually causes problems as the fonts are different in most manufacturers' graphic systems. It is often easier to add text later in the font you wish. Major clean up is usually required with most file conversions.

.2 Screen Capture

If file conversion is not an option, screen capture should be considered if system supports bit map type graphics. Resolution of graphics are limited by overall screen resolution. Problems are often caused later if graphics need to be edited. Original graphics programs must be used requiring two sets of graphic records. Screen capture does not allow re-sizing once screen is captured. Usually not applicable to vector type graphics except if third party conversion programs are used. This is a workable but painful method.

.3 Scanning

If the information required to be turned into graphics is not available in electronic media, paper media can be scanned and digitized into computer files. Most scanners support many file types. These files can then be converted using file conversion routines into the required format. Low cost hand scanners can be used for low volumes of work but bed type scanners are preferred for large volumes plus the need to auto stitch scanned strips is eliminated.

.4 Transparency Tracing

When a scanner is not available or drawings have more data than required, transparency tracing offers a manual method of quickly tracing only the information you require off a drawing. First photocopy the drawing to be traced on to a clear transparency like the ones used for overheads. Then tape the transparency to your screen and trace under the transparency using the preferred drawing package. This method works amazingly well allowing for quick transfer of the pertinent data. If you have access to a reducing/expanding copier you can usually size drawing before copying to a transparency.

.5 Tricks and Traps

1. Screen presentation graphics are quite different than graphics on paper media. The screen resolution and speed at which data is presented requires that print be larger, drawings simpler, colors softer and dynamic information as large as possible.

2. Your colour choices should be reviewed on a black and white screen as most laptops do not support color.

3. Most manufacturers keep drawings in a library or directory. Be sure you understand the inter-relationship of how the system calls the graphics. It is often not just as easy as moving or renaming graphics because of the interlinking created on each graphic.

4. Store icons that you will use over and over as objects so that they may be sized and added to typical drawings.

5. Use typical drawings and add or delete custom information for minimum effort and maximum graphic generation speed. Think about how you might use portions of a graphic again and save it in several pieces, each under a separate file name.

6. Standardize as much as possible. It is often easier to modify a complete operating library file from another building than to begin again.

It is hoped that these guidelines will do much to aid standardization, reduce required effort and increase speed to build comprehensive graphics.