If you noticed that there are few updates lately, it’s because I’ve been back working for the past month.  My most recent CAD related jobs have been doing architectural surveys.  This where one or more people measure and draw a building.  In the past I have measured hotels, retail stores, parking lots, and other structures.  Depending up the size of the job, we might have 8 or people on a project.

But why I’m writing this post is that while I’ve been surveying, I’ve also been thinking about the visitors to myCADsite.  I wanted to write about what skills I use in this job, what commands I use and how AutoCAD is a big part of this process.  I’ve mentioned in other places that AutoCAD is a tool.  It’s just a tool in the toolbox that you develop as you learn new skills.  If you don’t have other skills, what you do with AutoCAD can be limited.

First let’s look at what I do before I start.  I will travel to new site, meet with the client or project manager, review the scope of work (what I need to draw) and start working.  Before I even start the computer up, I’ve needed to know how to travel efficiently (pack light, be on time, navigate airports, etc).  I’ve had to be able to communicate effectively by meeting with people and discovering what is needed for the project.  Finally, I’ve had to review documents and make sure that I understand 100% of what is needed.  These might seem like common, basic skills – but it’s amazing how many people have failed by this point. (more…)