site plan drawing

[Robert Darden]

I have to create a site plan for city approval, using plans for two different buildings that are in different files.

Is there any way of bring both plan viewports into the same drawing?

[CipesDesign]

No, you can't copy and paste viewports between files, but you can (possibly) use the Workgroup Reference command to incorporate both files into one result, and then create VP's.

Personally I have had a lot of trouble with referencing the few times I've tried it, mainly to do with origins. After a couple hours wrestling with software it grows quite tiresome (*see below).

If it was my job I would probably cut and paste the Design Layer data from both files into one new file (saving both originals for archival purposes). If there is a common control point (like a building corner) in both files it isn't really too tough to use the move command to get them aligned properly with each other in the new file.

* Others will for sure recommend Workgroup Referencing. I know that a lot of people use it and I know that it does work. I also know that the team at NNA have worked really hard on improving this feature. But for me as a "one-man shop" it always seemed like an awfully long way to go to get somewhere I already knew how to get to...

[gmm18]

Sure. There are a couple ways, but to do it with viewports,

You just go View->Create Viewport, then select the destination to be on a Design Layer,

Now notice that the "Select Source" button is activated, click it.

You can now choose the document you want to reference from,

then hit okay. This viewport will be created on that Design Layer,

You can control the Class/Layer visibilities using the OIP.

Position this Viewport to match up with the info in the file you

are currently in, and you have it.

You can create a Sheet Layer Viewport that captures both the current file

and the referenced viewport.

There are more subtleties, but you will figure it out once you give it a try.

[Robert Darden]

gmm18,

Will this process still work if the two plans are in two different files?

[CipesDesign]

Yes, that's what he was saying about the "Select Source" button...

[Jonathan Pickup]

i recommend the Workgroup Reference method. you can reference several files.

[Robert Darden]

The Viewport method sort of worked, but for one plan, it imports an old floor plan, not the most updated plan.

I try to create a Viewport from the updated file, but the old plan comes thru.

Please advise.

[gmm18]

Click on this Design Layer Viewport that is referencing another file.

Now in the Object Info Palette, Click the Layers Button.

Adjust the visibilities to show the most updated plan.

Click Okay, now Click the Classes Button and check those.

It is just like controlling the visibilities of a regular Sheet Layer Viewport.

[Robert Darden]

Thanks.

F Y I - I had to go into Organization, then Reference and update the plans, but that worked great.

I learn something new everyday!