B3-How does Revit relate to Autocad and other drafting programs?

The relationship between revit and other programs like AutoCAD can be characterized through my own personal experience and how it relates to the civil career field. In the civil engineering field AutoCAD is a necessary part of conservative formatting of drawings and drafting, but revit provides more than this drafting format. Revit allows for 3D design, family creation, but also dwg plan integration. As discussed, revit allows for just one compilation of sheets rather than AutoCAD and other programs where multiple plan sheets are used for a project. This difference centralizes projects that allow for also a 3D analysis. But despite this integrated approach, at all my co-ops it was required knowledge to know how to draft in AutoCAD and be able to present designs in the program. This has become a staple in the business because of its capabilities to create basic drawings. In conclusion from my personal experience although AutoCAD is more structured and standardized, revit allows for more flexibility in joining mechanical and civil design.

The other relationship I found between AutoCAD and revit was from accounts in the industry. On some articles, the relationship is categorized as the future of BIM versus drafting technology. Revit also allows BIM and connection of dwg and 3D technology with its drafting capabilities. Because of this smaller and mid sized firms are getting into this new technology as the future for architectural drafting, while also still using AutoCAD as a basis tool. Another relation that I found in my work is that revit is more centralized where other peers can work on the document and information doesn't need to be extracted because it displays all of it on the same file. In the end it seems even though Revit is being embraced as a new centralized drafting tool for companies AutoCAD will still be the basis since its a simple drafting tool that can be used on any project. This is because the evolution of design still has the basis of unique hand drawn sketching which is basically AutoCAD but in a computer design format.

http://www.archsupply.com/autocad-vs-revit-cad-vs-bim-what-architects-will-use-in-the-future/

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-of-AutoCAD-over-Revit-and-vice-versa

Replies:

Gibson, I enjoyed to see that you were able to use Revit at your previous co-op in drafting. Although I knew about the capability of drafting on the same project with other was plausible it was nice to see that companies in the structural field are applying this to their work. And I didn't know that one can incorporate links in their design to reference other material or sections.

Shaden, it was interesting to read on your feed the capability of BIM design tools to actually simulate loads, estimations, and run calculations. When working on my project for this class using sensors I will definitely be looking to use this tool.

Carlos, I enjoyed the reference in your post about how as a society we need to adapt and advance to these emerging information technologies. Although there can be discrepancy I agree that if we make these advances our field will embrace it in the future. This can not only lead to better ease in the industry but also better projects.