Rookie Questions

[barnabythebear]

Hiya

I have been tasked to find a better solution than AutoCAD to produce ‘softer’ and ‘hand drawn’ presentations of our landscape designs.
I've been playing around with the current demo (7.06), for a few days and I'm very impressed. There are a few issues though that I’m stuck with:

1. Can i introduce a custom fill based on a bitmap image?
2. Can i use bitmaps with an alpha channel. I want to have plan views of trees and planting. Currently i import a tree graphic with a white border, this goes when i convert to bitmap but leaves a white border fringe that doesn’t look too good. Also, when i play with the built in bitmap effects, the whole border re-appears.
3. Can i create AutoCAD type blocks within PC, to keep file sizes down and to help with editing copies of the same item?

Our IT guy is also the driving force behind out current obsession with AutoDesk products. He want me to get AutoDesk Impression, and i have to say it looks incredible. What are the killer features of PC that I need to know about??

Many Thanks

Nigel Gilbert
Senior Playscape Designer
Wicksteed Playscapes

[Alfred Scott]

Nigel,

Okay, you've now heard what AutoCAD wants you to know. My suggestion is that you visit the Drawing Room and look at what PowerCADD and WildTools users are actually drawing.

What you will find is that every program has its strengths and weaknesses and that you can do some things in one program that you can't do in another.

Alfred

[How Goes It]

Nigel,

1. Can I introduce a custom fill based on a bitmap image?

In PowerCADD this is done by selecting an image that is Placed into PowerCADD, and then using the Create Hatch command.

Frank Sandoval explains it here --

http://engsw.com/drawroom/BognerPools/Textures.html

Take a look at the work Frank does with custom hatches --

http://engsw.com/drawroom/BognerPools/Ghazal.html

With regard to your questions 2 & 3 ---

Instead of using the convert to bitmap as you mentioned in your question 2, you may want to consider what is talked of at this URL -- http://powercadd.DesignCommunity.com/topic-19182.html

I'll take a wild guess and figure Vectormagic, being a one trick pony, won't be too expensive when it comes out in a desktop version. Maybe your company already has a copy of Illustrator.

This allows you to convert your bitmaps to vector graphics for immediate placement into drawings, and at the same time, you have something to save as a symbol for use in a library when needed, as you spoke of in your question 3. A Symbol in PowerCADD is like a Block in AutoCAD. And, having everything as vector, makes it easier later on if you need to send the CAD file to someone.

Another thing to remember, is that you can always import vector objects (DWG, DXF) and create whatever custom Symbol (Block) Libraries you want. And of course, you can always draw / create your symbols directly within PowerCADD itself if you want.

All programs have their shortcomings or limitations - Autodesk programs included -- http://images.autodesk.com/emea_nw_w_main/files/impression_technology_preview.pdf

Rather than having a CAD program, and having to buy another program for doing your Presentation Graphics, and then having to do an export out of your CAD, and then an import into your Presentation program -------- PowerCADD, on the other hand, does the CAD & Presentation in the same program. You do your CAD, and apply your textures, shadows, & transparencies all within the one program (PowerCADD).

Cost is also something to consider. The PowerCADD way is less expensive.

[barnabythebear]

Hi Gents,

Thanks for the info - very helpful.

I hope i can put a good justification together, I hope to be back here soon!

nige