The next step is to create space objects. You can create spaces in AutoCAD® using uCAD. Each space object is dynamically linked to an AutoCAD® polyline entity during creation. You can also link existing AutoCAD® polylines to uCAD space objects. For example, if you have a space type called Common Areas, you might define individual spaces for each restroom, hallway, or reception area. You will then associate each of these spaces with the Common Areas space type, and give each space a unique name.
Linking a uCAD space object to a polyline provides these benefits:
- The area of the polyline is automatically calculated, and the space object associated with it is updated.
- Once a drawing file has been imported into Unifier's Space Manager, the system can dynamically create new space records that are associated with the uCAD space object or update existing spaces with new space data.
- In Unifier, spaces can be viewed or highlighted in Unifier's Space Manager when searching or selecting a space record.
When you import the drawing file into Unifier, these become space records. You control the information to capture with that space record, such as the space name, the area, the unit of measure (such as square feet). These are based on the attributes that were designed in uDesigner for each space type.
To create space objects, you can create a new object in AutoCAD® using polylines, or you can link existing polylines to uCAD.
Creating a new space object using polylines
To create a new space object using polylines follow these steps:
With this procedure, you are create a new space object on the drawing using polylines (conference room, office, or hallway, for example). These new spaces will create new space records automatically in Unifier for the corresponding level.
- In AutoCAD®, open the drawing that you want to add spaces to. Be sure that the drawing has already been set up to work with uCAD (see the instructions above).
- Select Unifier > Create Space > <space type>.
- Select a space type.
Common Spaces, Gross Building Area, Gross Measured Area, Major Vertical Penetration, or Usable Areas.
- Draw the boundaries of your space. When you have defined the space boundaries and completed the space by closing the polyline or by pressing Enter, the space form opens.
- Complete the form.
The data elements displayed on this space form are those that were added to the uCAD integration design in uDesigner. This form and its content is based on the selected connection (that is, the Unifier environment from which the designs were imported) while setting up this drawing file.
In the example shown above, the Usable Areas space type form is show. Notice that the Area for this Usable Area space is pre-calculated based on the space boundaries defined on the drawing.
Note: If a picker data element has been added to uCAD integration, it will display on the form as a text entry field. You must enter a valid value. For example, if you have a Level Picker field, you must type the level name exactly as it appears in the space record form.
- Click OK.
The space polyline is now created and linked to the uCAD space object.
Notice the space tag that has been placed in the middle of the space on the drawing reflecting the space Name, Type, and Area. These data elements are defined for the space type (Edit Studio window, Options tab; refer to the Unifier uDesigner User Guide).
Linking an existing space to an existing polyline
You can also dynamically link an existing space (that already exists as a space record in Unifier) to a polyline on the drawing.
- In AutoCAD®, open the drawing.
- Click the Unifier menu and select Establish Link > space type. In this example, the space type is Major Vertical Penetration.
- Double-click a polyline space in the drawing. You can select only one polyline. The Space Type window opens, listing all the space objects of the selected type.
- Select a space object from the list and click Link. If the space object already has a link, a message displays telling you to first unlink the object before establishing a new link.
- When the link is established, click OK.
Adding a new space object to an existing polyline
You can also create a new Unifier space record by linking to an existing polyline.
- In AutoCAD®, open the drawing.
- Click the Unifier menu and select Establish Link > space type.
- Double-click a polyline space on the drawing. You can select only one polyline. The Space Type window opens, listing all the space objects of the selected type.
- Click New to create a new space object. The Space form opens.
- Enter the data for the new space object.
- Select the new space object from the list and click Link.
- When the link is established, click OK.