VectorWorks Drawing Setup (1)

The Setup commands create a file that adheres to predefined VectorWorks standards, or alternatively, to user-defined standards. Running these commands in a project file ensures that the desired structure is in place. Each command can be run in either a new or existing file; the Model Setup command must be run prior to using the Create Standard Viewports command.

When a file is set up with the Model Setup and the Create Standard Viewports commands, the appropriate classes and layers are created automatically. Design layers are created by the Model Setup command and begin with “Mod-” (model layers, since this is where the model is designed).

The Create Standard Viewports command creates the appropriate viewports and sheet layers for the viewports (beginning with “Sheet-”), along with the appropriate classes if they are not already in the file.

The Standard Naming command establishes or changes the naming conventions used for these classes, design layers, sheet layers, and viewports or saved views.

Landmark Standards

When using VectorWorks Landmark standards, landscape site plans are composed of shared model information on four layers:

• Mod-Site-Arch: contains any buildings or other improvements
  
• Mod-Site-Civil: contains topographic and survey information
  
• Mod-Site-DTMData: contains the DTM output
  
• Mod-Site-Landscape: contains tree and planting data
  

Document Setup

When starting any drawing, the Document Setup command should be used to set up a file’s basic characteristics (units, scale, drawing area, and grid) as well as define the drawing border and title block settings.

To set up a drawing with the Document Setup command select File -> Document Settings -> Document Setup, this will show the Document Setup dialog.

Model Setup

The Model Setup command creates the appropriate number of floors or levels and their corresponding design layers (Mod-Floor, Mod-Foundation, and Mod-Roof layers), as well as setting the Z and delta Z of each model design layer. It is required for running the Create Standard Viewports command.

For Landmark users (when doing site models), if there is no floorplan geometry in the drawing, click OK in both Model Setup dialog boxes to accept the default settings.

To set up the model, select File -> Document Settings -> Model Setup, The Model Setup - Initialize dialog box opens if the drawing is new or contains unrecognized layer/class names, click OK, the main Model Setup dialog box opens.

In the Model Setup dialog box, select a level from the Level Settings list, and then specify its parameters and click OK. The selected level is indicated in the graphic with a red bullet. A maximum of three floor levels are displayed. For buildings with more than three floors above ground, the middle floor indicator is highlighted for all intermediate floors.

To set up a model for split-level homes, select the Fixed at option and enter a height greater than the distance to the next level.