Expert: Bob - 12/15/2005

Question
Hello, I am very efficient in drafting in 2-D autocad as I am a Landscape Architect Student.  My trouble is in 3-D.  The only thing I know how to do as far as 3-D is extrude.  I have no idea about anything else in the subject.  Could you give me some tips or possible a good site for tutorials or a book with step-by-step instruction that i could benefit from.  Thanks in advance
Jim

Answer
Hi -- good luck in school and work hard.

You can possibly learn 3D from books if you are good at the concept. I suggest you go to Borders, or another chain bookstore, and look through the AutoCAD books. If you put "AutoCAD tutorial" into Google, you should get a lot of leads -- there are online newsletters, etc.

Of course, you should know 3D AutoCAD, but you should learn Autodesk Land Desktop (whatever the latest name of it is) eventually. 3D AutoCAD solids are not what you want for topography. Once you are really good in AutoCAD, get a 30 day free trial of LDT. The way to learn AutoCAD and its vertical products is to do your student projects with them -- takes more time at first, so allow plenty.

Good luck

BOB