Expert: Bob - 1/5/2010

Question
Thank you for volunteering to answer questions for I have been trying to learn AutoCad Map.  The drawings I am using are dated between 1993 to  1996 and were probably done in AutoCad 12. I am trying to update the drawings using Auto Cad Map 2009 and have had a few issues along the way.
These are dwg's and if they were based on the plats in our file cabinets the coordinate system is Nad27.  
My problem is how do I tell if the dwg contains an embedded coordinate system.  
If not which coordinate system do I use, Nad 83 or what I think is the original coordinate system NAD 27.
What I am trying to do is draw one layer in an existing dwg and call the layer annexes and then copy that layer to the other dwg's.  I have tried and the layer may copy but it is placed in "outer space". So I am thinking if I have a coordinate system for each dwg the copy would be copied to the  right place on the dwg.
Ultimately I would like to go between AutoCad Map and ArcMap.
My skill level is beginner but willing to learn.
Thank you very much just for being there.
Everyone else has just wished me luck.
Cindy

Answer
Response --- Look on the forum for MAP help: post a topic looking for tutorials, if a search does not find them.
However, the layer and pasting things are very basic 1st semester AutoCAD -- without mastering that, MAP, schmap, rap, you will get nowhere. Look at AutoCAD 2009 books.

BOB

Hi--

1-- I highly suggest to anyone:
DO NOT try to teach AutoCAD to yourself unless you know Windows really well, know the subject you are drawing well, and have a good book. If you are writing  "I have tried and the layer may copy but it is placed in "outer space"." -- sorry, you are missing understanding of AutoCAD badly, and need a good course and/or a good book.
A__You can copy the CONTENTS OF A LAYER to another drawing, but you have to know how to paste to get those objects in the right spot.  Usually right-click PASTE TO ORIGINAL COORDINATES does it. If some moron drew it without regard to the coordinates, you should correct that before working on it.

B--ALL drawings have a co-ordinate system --AutoCAD is based on that-- I think you mean something more like "Were the old drawings drawn with 0,0 as origin?")

2-- I am an Interior Designer.  I have no idea what Nad anything is.
You should go to Autodesk.com ----http://discussion.autodesk.com/forums/index.jspa?categoryID=1 --- and check the Discussion Groups that best relate to your profession and software.  Map 2009 is not listed, so see if the name has changed for 2010.

You can't learn Spanish if you are making it up and speaking Spanglish -- I hope that does not sound harsh, but you have a fair chance of going insane without getting the right knowledge, as so many of us have experienced. THAT is my most important advice.

NOW I will wish you good luck

BOB