ViaCad and Sketchup
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In my relentless search to find an easy to use 2D / 3D cad system that is interoperable with SU, I have stumbled across Viacad which appears to be primarily a solid modelling mechanical design tool but it now has the capacity / capability to download SU models from 3D warehouse. I was wondering if anyone here has come across this cad package, if so what do you think?
A bit of history about me, I am an Architect in New Zealand and have been using SU for some 4 years now but have become increasingly frustrated with the limitations of Layout. With my SU models becoming increasingly detailed, I am at the point where it does not make economic sense to redo a 3D model in revit in order to get some basic dimensioned drawings with decent line weight variation....ie drawings that also look good and professional. These drawings I would pass on to a Quantity Surveyor / builder for preliminary pricing.
Hopefully, the staff at Google get requests for a companion simple cad system for SU regularly and are sitting up and taking notice or even better doing something about it
In the meantime, I will keep searching. 
Stan
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This has been discussed on this forum many times, unfortunately I can't remember the names of the threads. During the last round I think we pretty much concluded that there isn't an ideal option yet. ViaCAD has been mentioned before, I think by Mike Lucey. I haven't used it myself though. I mainly use Progecad (autocad clone). It isn't ideal but I just use it for laying out 2d plans, sections and elevations that I export as dwg files from SU. I recently discovered Solid Edge 2d drafting which is pretty good too.
You can make your cad process easier by attaching 2d drawings to your 3d components in SU but put the 2d drawings in a layer that you can turn on or off and the same for the 3d. Then you can turn off all the 3d and you are left with a 2d plan that you can export. Sorry if this is obvious but it is useful and if you are using repeat components, the effort of drawing the 2d layers pays for itself quite quickly. -
Hi John,
Thanks for your reply on this, I will take a look at the Solid Edge program as well. thanks
Stan
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A review of ViaCad would be a worthwhile forum post
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take also a look at zwcad
http://www.zwcad.org/
found it some days ago, and had a quick look
pretty the same as acad (incl. looks) though a right price (ca 520 € incl vat)
regards -
I use TurboCAD 15 Delux, around $140. It will import Sketchup files, and open any ACAD file.
Ken
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Ken,
Yes I remember looking at Turbo Cad a while back now. I cant remember why I didnt go down that path. I might have been too bust at the time.
Stan
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Hi SEKTA, I use Spirit, a fully parametric 2D/3D architecural program by Softtech STI.
http://www.softtech.com
I is the only program I know that is fully intergrated with SU [imports native SU files and vise versa] and is fully parametric. It took me quite a while to get into it as I am quite remote from where it is produced but the technical support is very personable and immediate!!! Just what i need as a sole operator... -
Andrew,
Yep, I have got spirit as well but and have concluded that I am being a big woos cos I always find an excuse to not make an effort and learn it. Matt from Procad Systems is based here in hamilton New Zealand....about a 10 minute drive from my work so support should be good. I hear from matt that release 16 is almost due out. Interface from what I hear is very much like Revit with work format in solid model rather than wireframe.
Do you have any examples you can post or send me of an SU model pulled into SPIRIT and turned into a 2D drawing, I would be REALLY interested in seeing them
Stan
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Hey Stan, how about that!!! Your locaiton details are not shown on your profile so I wasn't aware you were so close!!!!
I am working on something at the moment that i will send through for you to have a look at when i get it done. Yes, SPT 16 can import native SU and SU can import native SPT files so makes for easy work flow.....
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Andrew,
I look forward to seeing them. It might be just what I need to kick me into gear and get up to speed with it.
Stan
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Hi.
Im a Spirit user also from New Zealand (Wellington). Upgrading to 2009 asa I can find time to do it.
I use Pro7 SU too.
Have had problems getting onto this site, but back now thanks to Gai' hard wk ..Im trying to locate some kiwi's again
Cheers Jeff
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