Presentation Improvements

You are now able to use Windows™ True Type fonts to improve the quality of the output documentation from all DDS-CAD products. The fonts can be used in the 2D drawings produced from the model, and also within 3D model views of the project.

It has always been possible to place imported Bitmaps in the software, and this functionality has been extended to allow for the placement of images in other formats, for example JPG, PNG, TIFF and WMF. The imported images are now also displayed in the 3D view as well as in 2D.

The print program is now incorporated within the main software rather than being a separate tool.

A new version of the DWG Toolkit used in the software supports the 2007 version of AutoCAD DWG and DXF files. The software can now handle a larger co-ordinate system, allowing for more accurate placement of imported drawings, and automatic adjustment of the drawing origin. Externally referenced bitmaps in DWG files can now be viewed within the model.

Improved 3D Navigation

Navigation within the 3D environment has been improved, incorporating a more intuitive method of moving around the model, which is similar to the methods used in many other programs, including computer games. The middle mouse button, or roll wheel can now be used to pan around the model, and three 3D navigation modes are now available, walk, fly and orbit.

Within IFC models it is further possible to use the new “elevator” control to quickly move between storeys in the model. The improved 3D navigation increases the usability of the software, and makes the visualisation and presentation of designs to clients and design team members much more professional.

Enhanced Room Definition Functions

The new grip and snap functionality improves the productivity and accuracy of defining and editing rooms in the model. It is also possible now to redefine the room’s “reference wall” which is used, for example to establish the start position of suspended ceilings. A further productivity enhancement is the ability to add configurable room labels to all rooms with a single command.

Routing and Connection of Conduit, Ladder and Trunking

Line based components such as cables; conduit, ladder, tray, earth and trunking have had a major revision in the latest version of the software. These are now fully object based and can be edited and manipulated very quickly and intuitively. For example, to make a connection to an existing line object, you can simply select the object’s tool and click where you want to make a new tee, and begin routing the new conduit or tray. The component objects have also been improved.

As you move close to an object, it is automatically highlighted and the available connection points are displayed, allowing you to choose which one to use.

And when you select the connection you wish to make, a dialog is displayed providing the various connection options available, allowing you to choose the most appropriate connection logic.

Develop Projects Faster

The ability to copy and paste sections of ladder, tray and trunking has also been added, making the development of the project quicker, and less repetitive. You can now also delete sections of a ladder, tray or trunking network, then reconnect, for example, to avoid an obstruction, without having to re-define the complete run.

Intelligent associative labels can now be attached to ladder, tray and trunking elements, allowing you, for example, to very quickly annotate the drawing, displaying the mounting heights of the elements.

All objects now include advanced scaling and rotation functionality.