Architectural CAD packages or programs

(Based on AutoCAD terminology. Other programs may

use different terms.)

These are CAD programs with capabilities beyond the

drawing of simple lines, arcs and text. They have

additional capabilities specific to the architectural and

building industries and usually allow a 3D model of the

building to be created from intelligent ‘objects’ rather

than simple entities.

Attribute A special type of text entity, included within a

block definition that can be used to hold information

about that block. Attribute information can be defined,

set and read by the CAD program, making automated

links to separate databases possible.

Blocks A set of entities defined so that they act as if

they were a single entity. For example, a WC is drawn with

a few lines and an arc and saved to disk as a separate

drawing. It is then ‘inserted’ into plans as many times as is

needed. Generally blocks are inserted full size (1:1).

CAD and CADD ‘Computer-Aided Draughting’,

‘Computer-Aided Design’, and ‘Computer-Aided Design

and Draughting’ are terms that refer to the process of

creating drawings or designing with the aid of

computers.

Database An organised collection of data that can be

interpreted and operated upon by a computer. A drawing

file is effectively a database of drawn information that is

manipulated by a CAD program. CAD users also refer to

‘External Databases’. These refer to data files other than

the drawing file.

Dimension entities Dimensions that are calculated

by the program based on the entities to which they

are attached. Most CAD users use ‘associative’

dimensions that update automatically when the

entity that the dimension relates to is modified.

Non-associative dimensions require the CAD user to

type in the dimension text manually and their use can

be dangerous.

Drawing (1) A drawing in the conventionally

understood sense, printed or plotted on to paper, and

created from the CAD file.

Drawing (2) Sometimes called the ‘Model File’.

A computer file containing the ‘model’ information

Glossary of CAD

terms

6

APPENDIX

Styl-App06.qxd 7/7/04 4:40 PM Page 158