Expert: Bob - 12/11/2008

Question
Good Morning Bob,

I am a beginner (1yr field 2 yr school), drafting for architect, currently using arch desktop '04. I am putting together a site plan, duplicating by sight the most recent site plan given to us by the client. I have attempted to begin with the prop. lines using the bearing distance keyed input (start @ (distance)< N ** D ** E). The drawing I am working from does leave some easily noticed closure issues to be dealt with, but my concern is with the curve of the property line. I am given radius, arc length, and delta information (example- R= 25'A= 43.99'D=100d46'3").  * Is there an input format that allows me to enter the arc in the same fashion as the straight line bearing inputs?  * Will I need more complete information to make use of that format?

Many Thanks, Have Fun!

Sean


Answer
Hi -- not my field, but I will pass you to better help.

First, I THINK you are implying you have no training in AutoCAD or ADT --
1--- don't "figure AutoCAD out for yourself" - your work will take forever to do, and the AutoCAD files will not be suitable for others to work on.
2-- how to draw arcs is half of a chapter in a good AutoCAD book, so I can't explain it all in one email, with certainty you will understand. If you are not working with a good book next to the computer, or without realizing that HELP may explain what you need, you spin your wheels.

Learning how to research your own solutions is essential --- thus you dont get stuck waiting for me, etc.

here is a link to Autodesk Discussion Groups, where you can look to see if someone has already asked your question. I dont know if you are better looking in Survey, Land Desktop, or Civil --- poke around.

http://discussion.autodesk.com/forums/

3-- Last --- I hope you are using ADT as plain AutoCAD and staying away from the complicated features, until you get very proficient in AutoCAD, then a course or book on ADT.  As an ADT user, I highly recommend your boss upgrade to the latest, as 2004, while good, is early in the development of the software, thus much more easy to make errors in, or get lost.  
If you are just using it as AutoCAD: 2009 is much better in many ways, but 2004 was a mature release of AutoCAD.

I hope this helps.

BOB