Can any software product do this ?

[steve last]

I can understand your viewpoint on software overkill... .
Not trying to be cute or anything...
But how about a pencil and a paper? Work out most things before even sitting down in front of the computer. Then the drawing would be a lot easier.

Well yes, that's exactly where I'm starting from right now - there's no alternative to a paper sketch. It's conceptually pretty easy to do a single room for example that way. However, it gets messy because of the need to adjust lines, and that's a good reason to use a graphics programme. Another is that in digital form it is much more portable, scalable etc.

The difficulty comes in transferring the paper sketch into any existing software, other than by scanning it. I haven't found the Xara bitmap to vector tracer process really works well for that purpose. It's also conceptually absurd to have to get a vector image by collecting vector data, making an image by creating hand drawn vectors, convert it to a bitmap and magnify all the "noise" defects in the hand drawing (pencil line thickness and so on), read that (now noisy) bitmap into a programme, try and clean out the noise, and then convert it back to pure vector information !!!

But that doesn't solve my problem of for example variable walls, inconsistent levels and the like, which is why I want to use the computer in the first place.... The paper and pencil process takes too long as it is with these complex structures, with the appropriate simple software I could do the whole thing far faster, which is where I came in!!!
Steve L

[michaelbuddy]

I don't have time to read your entire thread, but I know a co-worker of mine worked on a product that did layout and the business end of landscaping.

it's worth checking out I bet.

http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/prolandscape/index.htm

[steve last]

Thanks for the suggestion! I took a look at that, and found what could be the bit I want: their site says.....
" There are three easy ways to get started; (1) Import a CAD file you get from an architect or designer and your base plan will be already drawn for you. (2) Scan in and scale a plot plan or survey and scale it. You can then trace over the important elements such as the property lines, building shell, driveways and sidewalks so you are left with a clean base plan. (3) Draw from your own measurements. There are wizards included to make drawing the property line or building shell even easier. You can even insert windows and doors to make the plan more realistic."
Well (1) and (2) won't do it for me for the reasons already stated, but (3) might ...then I looked at the price!! ($1400) Unfortunately they don't do a downloadable trial and again this is a highly sophisticated specialist product, so doesn't hit "my" target market....

Keeping on looking....!
Steve

[jens g.r. benthien]

Steve,

very interesting information about the flight systems. I've had to do with that stuff as well - ugly history.

But to solve your problem:

There is a CAD software that is incredibly precise and packed with presets, but the best thing is: you can turn them OFF.

The package is called DrawingBoard from Ashlar, some 10 years old or even older, 16bit. Check ebay for this package - shouldn't be too expensive - I guess around $ 20 these days. If you don't have luck at ebay, go to http://www.core77.com and search for the message board, post a question if someone still has a copy and is willing to sell it.

I'm still using it, and it runs on any Windows flavor currently available. Just an idea, because you don't want to fly to the moon but only get some milk around the corner.

[crag_dolomite]

Another one to consider is DesignWorkshop Lite a free sketch based modeller that reminds me of the old Virtus Walkthrough program of '95
http://www.artifice.com/dw_lite.html

[steve last]

Once again, thanks for the suggestions. I've taken a look.... as usual these are all too heavyweight and/or design oriented for what I think is needed. I did however get a response from @last and will send them a suggestion for a product which will adapt what they already have for the market I envisage.

[steve last]

Can any software do this? part 2

Having drawn a blank with my previous question despite lots of helpful comments I’m going to make the question much simpler. Can anyone point me to a graphics package, or to a software author (amateur or pro) who could devise a simple a simple utility, which would perform the following task. This simply mimics one of the most basic tasks a seven year old can do with a pencil and compasses……..

With a scaled grid showing:
Mark points A and B on a baseline
Select centre A, enter value x and draw arc radius x
Select centre B, enter value y and draw arc radius y
Mark point C at selected intersection of arcs
Delete arcs.

Steve Last

[jamesmc]

Your last entry almost fits in the description of cartography, with a twist towards buildings of course.

Back when metes and bounds were used to measure land (the blazed oak tree by the stream,etc.) land grants were mapped out with very irregular boundaries.

I don't know if there are these types of programs available anymore, but may be worth a try. I made a very extensive map about 10 years ago where the location was back in the old Virginia colonies that had dozens of irregularly shaped boundaries. I was also able to add legends, graphic symbols and the like. I was also able to put in exact measurements to my liking (meters/feet/rods/chains/other surveying measurements.)

Darn if I can remember the name of the software though. Perhaps a search of genealogy/maps/cartography/software on a search engine like google.

[steve last]

yes it (cartography) is exactly that area which is one of the potential uses I have in mind. Good suggestion. I'll give it a try!
Thanks.
Steve