Expert: Bob - 1/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

Ever since installing AutoCAD 2009 as an upgrade from 2000I our dimensions are frequently measured wrong.  A line in model space that list at 36'-0" will be dimensioned in paper space at 35'-11 27/64". I know I am choosing the lines end points and I know, through listing, that the line is exactly 36'-0" long. This happens mostly in drawings that where either started in or include blocks from an earlier version of AutoCAD.  We do not use associative dimensioning because it does not plot properly when plotted by a user with an older version of AutoCAD. To get around this freak dimensioning we have to explode the dim and type in the known correct dim - this is unacceptable for many reasons. Some lines will be dimensioned correctly and some will be off by a fraction of an inch. AutoCad supports "fix" was to lower my precision in my dimstyle - another unacceptable "solution". I would appreciate and anxiously try any and all ideas, suggestions and hopefully real fixes you care to share.  Thank you.

ANSWER: Sorry --

On the way to the airport. If possible, please ask the question again Jan 3.

BOB

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bob,

As requested, here is my question again, post holidays.

Thank you again,
Denise

Answer
Hi -- sorry for the delay.

This is a tough one, because I have to sort of chastise you for using AutoCAD in an "antique" way, in order to answer part of the question. Since you first asked it, I have been waiting for a bell to ring in my head over the reason for the slight resizing in viewports. (I THINK you mean the dimension change is in the VPs, not when you draw in PS outside them.)

I am going to reply to some parts right now.

The easy parts/antique use comments:
1-- why use LIST when you can click the object, and the Properties Palette opens? (faster, to me)
2-- why explode dims to change the value, when you can use the text override in the Properties Palette? (faster, better, cleaner) -- I was shocked when I read this.
3-- you could also check sizes by simply floating the cursor, if Dynamic were turned on for that purpose, for a few minutes.
4- What happens when you dimension in Model Space? Is it 36'?  I know you think there are obstacles, but current practice says it is better. You can, at worst, add a dimension layer for each scale, and selectively turn them off.

The perplexing questions, for me (an Interior Designer):
1-- For a workaround, what is wrong (in Architectural Engineering, not tiny machine parts) about decreasing precision of dimensions? The dimension you cite is a teeny-tiny percent off --
If you draw it right in MS (which I suggest you triple check, sounds fishy), what would be wrong with changing the precision when you are ready to plot?  Your project is going to be built according to the DIMENSIONS as stated, not by tracing the drawing, unless you are drawing for a laser cutter.
2-- You cater to the lowest by skipping associative dimensioning for one user. If he/she is your employee, the VERY LEAST I would insist on is that they move to another machine to plot, have you plot it, or have the upgrade on their machine for plotting only. Engineers do tend to allow users to stay fixed in the past.
3-- If your problem is drawings or blocks from old releases -- there could be information attached which causes the resizing.

If you asked me consult, my first question would be: "Any chance of retraining folks here and starting over a more modern way?"  (Your firm is not alone in this problem -- anyone with users who learned over 10 years ago, especially in Engineering, may have it)

Sorry, best I can tell you.

BOB