course manual famis autocad interface (fai)

Rev. 2.0 (October, 2004)

Course Manual

For

FAMIS AutoCAD Interface

(FAI)

FAMIS Software, Inc. 4 Park Plaza, Suite 1000

Irvine, CA 92614

ACAD-Plus, Inc. 10515 Rodgers Road Houston, TX 77070

CONFIDENTIAL: The information contained in this document is proprietary to FAMIS Software, Inc. and is not to be communicated to third parties without FAMIS Software’s written consent.


Table of Contents 1.0 FAI System Requirements ............................................................................................................................4

Drawing requirements ...............................................................................................................................................4 Drawing Preparation for FAI Implementation...........................................................................................................4 FAMIS Data Preparation for FAI Implementation ....................................................................................................4

Site Data................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Building Data........................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Floor Data ................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Room Data ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.0 Command List ...............................................................................................................................................9 Administration ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Room Polylines........................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Smart Blocks............................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Error Checking Commands...................................................................................................................................................... 9 Database Commands................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Graphic Reports ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

3.0 Descriptions of Commands .........................................................................................................................11 Administration Commands......................................................................................................................................11

SLOGIN -- Database Login Name, Password, and Data Source............................................................................................ 11 Step 1: Invoke the SLOGIN Command ................................................................................................................................. 11 Step 2: Enter Valid Login Data.............................................................................................................................................. 12 SCFG -- Sets up Drawing Configuration Intelligence............................................................................................................ 12 Step 1: Invoke the SCFG Command ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Step 2: Choose the Drawing Type.......................................................................................................................................... 13 Step 3: Enter Configuration Data ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Step 3: Enter Site, Building, and Floor Information............................................................................................................... 14 Step 4: Enter Settings............................................................................................................................................................. 14 Step 5: Locate the Legend and Select the Legend Length...................................................................................................... 15 Step 6: Locate the Overflow Chart and Select the Chart length............................................................................................. 17

Room Polyline Commands ......................................................................................................................................19 SPLSET – Sets Selected FamisCAD Polyline Layer to Current ............................................................................................ 19 SPAREA -- Polyline Drawing Routine.................................................................................................................................. 19 SPERASE -- Erases Polylines by selecting a Room Number Block ...................................................................................... 21 SPLXDEL – Removes Intelligence from a Polyline .............................................................................................................. 21 SPLXUPD – Updates Polyline GIS X-Data........................................................................................................................... 22 SPLCFG -- Polyline Configuration File Routine ................................................................................................................... 22

Smart Blocks Commands ........................................................................................................................................23 SIBLDG -- Inserts Intelligent Building ID Blocks................................................................................................................. 23 SIFLOOR -- Inserts Intelligent Floor ID Blocks.................................................................................................................... 23 SIROOM -- Inserts Intelligent Room Number Blocks ........................................................................................................... 23 Step 1 – Invoke the SIROOM Command............................................................................................................................... 23 Step 2 – Select the Appropriate Polyline................................................................................................................................ 24 Step 3 – Choose the Room Number ....................................................................................................................................... 24 Step 4 – Select the High and Low Points ............................................................................................................................... 24 Step 4 – Determine the Number of Characters That Fit Within a Space ................................................................................ 25 SEROOM – Room Number Block Editing Routine............................................................................................................... 26 SRMSCL – Adjusts Insertion Scale Factor for Room Number Blocks.................................................................................. 26 SRRMNOCHG – Globally Changes Room Number Blocks ................................................................................................. 26 Step 1 – Select Room Number Blocks ................................................................................................................................... 26 Step 2 – Select Change Type and Enter Change Condition(s) ............................................................................................... 26 SRMATTVIS – Sets Room Attribute Visibility .................................................................................................................... 27

Error Checking Commands .....................................................................................................................................28 Step 1 – Check for Orphaned Polylines ................................................................................................................................. 28 SHOWPL – Shows Polylines that have no Intelligent Room Number Block ........................................................................ 28 Step 2 – Check for Orphaned Room Blocks .......................................................................................................................... 29 SHOWRM -- Shows Room Blocks that have no Attached Polyline ...................................................................................... 29 Step 3 – Check for Missing Spaces........................................................................................................................................ 30 SHATCHALL – Colors all Intelligent Polylines in the Drawing........................................................................................... 30 SUNDO -- Undoes the Results of the SHATCHALL Command........................................................................................... 30 Step 4 – Check for Area Issues .............................................................................................................................................. 30 SAREACOMP -- Calculates and Displays Square Footage................................................................................................... 30

Database Commands ...............................................................................................................................................32 Exporting the Drawing Data ....................................................................................................................................32

Step 1 – Start the Export ........................................................................................................................................................ 32 SXPORT -- Export Data from Drawings Routine.................................................................................................................. 32


Table of Contents Continued

Step 2 – Click the More Details button .................................................................................................................................. 34 Step 3 – Write the Exception Report...................................................................................................................................... 35 Step 4 – Export the Data ........................................................................................................................................................ 35 SXDATE -- Reports Last Date that Data was Exported from a Drawing .............................................................................. 36 SRMATTUPD – Updates Room Number Block Attributes on the Drawing ......................................................................... 36 SCLEAR -- Clears Attribute Data from Room Number Blocks after Exporting ................................................................... 37

Viewing Room Data ................................................................................................................................................37 Step 1 – Invoke the View Room Data Command .................................................................................................................. 37 SRMVIEW -- Views Room Data in Database for a Room Number Block............................................................................ 37 Step 2 – Selecting the Data to View....................................................................................................................................... 38

Graphic Reports .......................................................................................................................................................39 Creating A Standard Graphic Report.......................................................................................................................39

SREPORT -- Annotates, Colors, or Hatches Rooms based on Database info........................................................................ 39 Step 1 – Invoke the Graphic Report Command...................................................................................................................... 39 Step 2 – Select a Standard Report .......................................................................................................................................... 39 Step 3 – Select Annotation Options ....................................................................................................................................... 40 Step 4 – Click the Start Button............................................................................................................................................... 41

Creating Ad Hoc Graphic Reports...........................................................................................................................42 Step 1 – Invoke the Graphic Report Command...................................................................................................................... 42 Step 2 – Click the Ad-Hoc Button ......................................................................................................................................... 42 Step 3 – Choose a Report Style.............................................................................................................................................. 43 Step 8 – Choose to Undo Previous Color, Hatch and/or Annotation Report.......................................................................... 45 Step 9 – Click the Start Button............................................................................................................................................... 45 SUNDO -- Undoes the Results of the SREPORT Command................................................................................................. 45 SURL – Creates DWF Files for Viewing on the Internet/Intranet ......................................................................................... 45

Creating a Composite Drawing ...............................................................................................................................46 Step 1 – Insert Placeholder Blocks......................................................................................................................................... 46 Step 2 – Configure the Drawing Settings............................................................................................................................... 46 SICOMP – Links Floor Plans for Composite Drawings ........................................................................................................ 46 Step 3 – Invoke the SICOMP Command ............................................................................................................................... 47 Step 4 – Apply SICOMP Configuration Details .................................................................................................................... 47 Step 5 – Save the Drawing as a Template File....................................................................................................................... 47

Product Manual – FAMIS AutoCAD Interface

© FAMIS Software, Inc. Rev 2.0, (October, 2004)

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1.0 FAI System Requirements

DRAWING REQUIREMENTS FAI requires the FAMIS Space Module for proper operation. In addition, it also requires AutoCAD 2000, 2000i, 2002, 2004 or 2005. FAI links the data in FAMIS Space to the AutoCAD Facilities Drawings.

When installing AutoCAD, a number of components are required for use with FAI. To insure their proper installation, the Complete Installation option should be chosen during the installation process. Note: Choosing the Typical Installation option will NOT install all the required components.

FAI can use existing AutoCAD facility floor plans as long as they are drawn real world size. Scaled drawings will report inaccurate areas to the database. As FAI is completely customizable, there is no required layering scheme for the drawings. Your current layering standards will work with the system. FAI will add some space planning layers to the drawing automatically. We recommend that all floor plan drawings comply with your layering standard. This makes FAI easier to use and customize - in addition to being a good general practice.

DRAWING PREPARATION FOR FAI IMPLEMENTATION Once AutoCAD floor plan drawings have been created, additional information must be added for implementation into the FAI system. The next section of this document explains how the FAI commands are used to prepare the drawings for FAI implementation. It also describes the use of the FAI commands to communicate with the database.

FAMIS DATA PREPARATION FOR FAI IMPLEMENTATION The Site, and Building data must be in the FAMIS database prior to implementing the FAMIS AutoCAD interface. The data can be managed through FAMIS Space Management forms for location data management.



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Site Data

The Site data can be entered and managed through the FAMIS Space Management Site form by an authorized FAMIS user.

Figure 1 - FAMIS Space Management Site Form



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Building Data

The Building data can be entered and managed through the FAMIS Space Management Building form by an authorized FAMIS user. The Site data must be established before Buildings can be entered.

Figure 2 - FAMIS Space Management Building Form



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Floor Data

The Floor data can be entered and managed through the FAMIS Space Management Floor form by an authorized FAMIS user. The Site and Building data must be established before Floors can be entered.

Figure 3 - FAMIS Space Management Floor Form



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Room Data

The Room data can be entered and managed through the FAMIS Space Management Room form by an authorized FAMIS user. The Site, Building, and Floor data must be established before Rooms can be entered.

Figure 4 - FAMIS Space Management Room Form



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2.0 Command List

Administration

SLOGIN Log in to FamisCAD Software and Database SCFG Sets up FAI drawing configuration intelligence

Room Polylines

SPLSET Sets Selected FamisCAD Polyline layer to Current SPAREA Draws Polylines around rooms SPERASE Erases Polylines by selecting a Room Number Block SPLXDEL Removes Intelligence from a Polyline SPLXUPD Updates Pline GIS X-Data SPLCFG Sets Polyline Offset Configuration File

Smart Blocks

SIBLDG Inserts Intelligent Building ID Blocks on Site Plans SIFLOOR Inserts Intelligent Floor ID Blocks on Building Stacks SIROOM Inserts Intelligent Room Number Blocks on Floor Plans SEROOM Edits Intelligent Room Number Blocks SRMSCL Adjusts Insertion Scale Factor for Room Number Blocks SRMNOCHG Globally Changes Room Numbers SRMATTVIS Sets Room Attribute Visibility

Error Checking Commands

SHOWPL Shows Polylines that have no Intelligent Room Number Block SHOWRM Shows Intelligent Room Blocks with no Polyline Attached SHATCHALL Colors All Intelligent Polylines SUNDO Undoes SHATCHALL SAREACOMP Calculates and Displays Square Footage

Database Commands

SXPORT Exports Data from Drawings to Database SXDATE Reports Last Date that Data was Exported from Drawings SRMATTUPD Updates Room Attributes SCLEAR Clears Attribute Data from Room Number Blocks after Exporting SRMVIEW Views Room Data by Selecting a Room Number Block

Graphic Reports

SREPORT Annotates, Colors, or Hatches Rooms from any fields in Database SUNDO Undoes SREPORT SURL Creates DWF File for Publishing Drawings on the Internet/Intranet SICOMP Links Floor Plans for Composite Drawing



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Figure 5 - The Pull Down Menu in AutoCAD



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3.0 Descriptions of Commands

The FAI menu is divided into functional groups (i.e.: Administration, Room Polylines, etc.). The menu provides easy access to the FAI commands. The FAI commands run in addition to all standard AutoCAD commands. They can be thought of as “extra” commands provided by the FAI software. All standard AutoCAD commands continue to perform as they normally would.

ADMINISTRATION COMMANDS The Administration commands provide a method for the user to connect to and communicate with the database.

SLOGIN -- Database Login Name, Password, and Data Source

Step 1: Invoke the SLOGIN Command

To access the FAI commands, the user must choose the SLOGIN command from the FAI pull down menu in AutoCAD.

Figure 6 – Invoking the SLOGIN Command



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Step 2: Enter Valid Login Data

This command uses a dialog box to obtain the desired configuration, user name, password, and data source for connecting to the database. Multiple configurations may be used for connecting to multiple database sources. When a configuration is selected from the pull down menu, the default data source is automatically entered into the source field. The data source refers to the AutoCAD configured database source. If only a single configuration is available but multiple data sources are configured, the user may manually enter the name of the source. (e.g. PROD vs. TRAIN vs. TEST). After entering a valid user name and password, the commands will be available.

Figure 7 - The Login Dialog Box

SCFG -- Sets up Drawing Configuration Intelligence

The SCFG command must be run on each floor plan. This command stores drawing specific configuration data in the drawing. This command will invoke a dialog box which allows the user to input drawing configuration data. The user is only required to run the SCFG command once per drawing. The values entered in the dialog box are stored in the drawing. This command is also used to edit this configuration data whenever this data already exists in the drawing.

Step 1: Invoke the SCFG Command

To access the SCFG dialog box, the user must choose the SCFG command from the FAI pull down menu in AutoCAD.

Figure 8 - Invoking the SCFG Command



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Step 2: Choose the Drawing Type

The user must choose whether the drawing is a Composite, Site Map, Building Stack, or Floor Plan. The Composite option is used to prepare drawings to have multiple buildings and/or floors on one report. The Site Maps and Building Stack options are used to prepare drawings for use with the FAMIS Graphical Report Server (GRS). The majority of drawings processed with FAI will be Floor Plans.

Step 3: Enter Configuration Data

Figure 9 - The Drawing Configuration Data Dialog Box



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The following data is stored (the commands that are affected are shown in parentheses):

1. Site Code (SXPORT)

2. Building Code (SXPORT)

3. Floor Code (SXPORT)

4. Date and time of last export (SXPORT)

5. Legend scale factor (SREPORT)

6. Room number block scale factor (SIROOM & SRMSCL)

7. Door room number text height (SIROOM & SEROOM)

8. Polyline wall thickness configuration file name (SPAREA, SPLCFG)

9. Drawing unit area divisor (SIROOM & SEROOM)

10. Insertion point and maximum length for color/hatch legend (SREPORT)

11. Insertion point and maximum length for "overflow" chart (SREPORT)

12. Legend and room number rotation (SREPORT)

Step 4: Enter Site, Building, and Floor Information

The user must enter the Site, Building, and Floor Codes for the drawing. It is IMPERATIVE that these codes exactly match the codes in the FAMIS database. Failure to match these codes will prevent the drawings from communicating with the data.

Step 5: Enter Settings

The user must also enter the Drawing Scale Factor, Legend Scale Ratio, Room Number Block Scale Ratio, Door Room Number Text Height, and Wall Offset Configuration File. The Area Divisor will default to the correct number as set by the administrator.



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Step 6: Locate the Legend and Select the Legend Length

The user must then pick the location for the Legend. The Legend will be automatically created each time a Color or Hatch Graphic Report is generated. It will be located at the point selected by the user. To locate the Legend, the user may enter X and Y coordinates or click the ‘Pick Point’ button and select the location visually. The user will then be prompted to choose the length for the Legend. If a legend exceeds the selected length, a new column will be added to the right of the first legend column.

Figure 10 - Choosing the Legend Insertion Point



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Figure 11 - Choosing the Legend Length



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Step 7: Locate the Overflow Chart and Select the Chart length

The user must then pick the location for the Overflow Chart. The Chart will be automatically created each time an Annotation Report is generated. It will be located at the point selected by the user. To locate the Chart, the user may enter X and Y coordinates or click the ‘Pick Point’ button and select the location visually. The user will then be prompted to choose the length for the Overflow Chart. If a chart exceeds the selected length, a new column will start at a point to the right of, and at the same height as the Overflow Chart insertion point.

Figure 12 - Choosing the Overflow Chart Insertion Point



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Figure 13 - Choosing the Overflow Chart Length



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ROOM POLYLINE COMMANDS An AutoCAD entity called a polyline must be drawn around each space (utilizing the IFMA, BOMA, or University standard). This polyline not only determines the area used by each space, it will also be utilized later for color or grayscale reports in FAI. These commands assist the user in the creation and maintenance of these polylines.

SPLSET – Sets Selected FamisCAD Polyline Layer to Current

This command allows the operator to easily set the desired pline layer to the current AutoCAD layer without the need to know the actual layer name or search through the drawing layer list.

Figure 14 - Using the SPLSET Command

SPAREA -- Polyline Drawing Routine

This command allows the operator to quickly draw the polylines by picking the inside wall lines surrounding the room. The command automatically determines the layer of each line selected and offsets the polyline according to a user-selected table. The supplied table file is called WALL4.DAT. The FAI Administrator has been trained to properly configure this file. Since all of the drawings may not have uniform wall thickness, the operator may select a new table at any time using the SPLCFG command described below.

Since the university environment bases room area on the interior dimensions of each space (thereby disregarding wall thickness), the easiest way to create these polylines is to set the permanent OSNAP to ENDP and INT then trace around the interior of each space with the PLINE command. These polylines can be created on any desired layer. FAI will convert them to layers specified in the FMG.CFG file.

The screen capture below illustrates a room that has no polyline. The numbered bubbles indicate the order in which the walls should be selected with the SPAREA command to automatically create a polyline. The walls can be selected clockwise or counterclockwise. The only caveat is that parallel lines are NOT selected consecutively.



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Figure 15 – Using the SPAREA Command

Polylines must also be added to each floor plan to calculate total gross area and interior gross area (if desired). Polylines may also be added to subtract ‘open to below’ areas and vertical penetrations from the gross areas. Again, tracing around the building exterior with the PLINE command is the easiest way to create the gross polylines. These polylines must be on the layers that are specified as the value of the SPGROSS, SPLAY-INT, SPLAY-OTB, and SPLAY-VPN variables in the FMG.CFG file. By default, these layers are set to SP-GROSS, SP-INTGROSS, SP-OTB, and SP-VPN respectively. The FAI Administrator has been trained to properly configure this file.

Whenever changes occur to the floor plan, the polylines must be modified to reflect the new wall locations. Some types of changes can be done using standard AutoCAD commands without destroying the integrity of the polyline (like STRETCH). Other modifications require erasing and replacing the polylines.



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SPERASE -- Erases Polylines by Selecting a Room Number Block

This command provides a convenient way of deleting a Room Polyline by selecting the Intelligent Room Number Block.

Figure 16 - Invoking the SPERASE Command

SPLXDEL – Removes Intelligence from a Polyline

This command provides a convenient way of removing the intelligent link between a room number block and a polyline without deleting either the polyline or the room number block.

Figure 17 - Invoking the SPLXDEL Command



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SPLXUPD – Updates Polyline GIS X-Data

Some GIS software can utilize AutoCAD extended entity data (X-Data) for its own purpose. FamisCAD allows the leverage of this capability by applying additional X-Data to each polyline as it is made intelligent through the SIROOM command. This additional X-Data is also automatically added to each intelligent polyline in the drawing anytime a change is made to the SCFG configuration, or anytime an Export is performed. SPLXUPD allows the user to manually update the polylines with this additional X-Data.

Figure 18 - Invoking the SPLXUPD Command

SPLCFG -- Polyline Configuration File Routine

This command allows the user to select a different polyline offset configuration file as described in the SPAREA command. The default file name is obtained from the FMG.CFG configuration file. If the file name is changed with this command it is also changed in the SCFG dialog.

Figure 19 - Invoking the SPLCFG Command



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SMART BLOCKS COMMANDS All drawings linked to the FAMIS database require a “smart” block in order to communicate with the database. These blocks provide the link to the correct records in the database. These commands assist the user in the creation and maintenance of these smart blocks.

SIBLDG -- Inserts Intelligent Building ID Blocks

This command is used when creating intelligent buildings on SITE PLAN drawings. It is NOT needed for floor plan drawings. This routine asks the operator to pick the polyline surrounding the building to be identified. The operator is then prompted for the Building ID. After automatically placing the block in the ‘center’ of the building, the operator is given the opportunity to move it.

SIFLOOR -- Inserts Intelligent Floor ID Blocks

This command is used when creating intelligent floors on BUILDING STACK drawings. It is NOT needed for floor plan drawings. This routine asks the operator to pick the rectangular polyline surrounding the floor to be identified. The operator is then prompted for the Floor ID. After automatically placing the block in the ‘center’ of the floor, the operator is given the opportunity to move it.

SIROOM -- Inserts Intelligent Room Number Blocks

Step 1 – Invoke the SIROOM Command

Figure 20 - Invoking the SIROOM Command



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Step 2 – Select the Appropriate Polyline

This routine asks the operator to pick the polyline surrounding the room to be numbered. Once selected, the polyline is highlighted and the user must verify that the correct polyline was chosen.

Step 3 – Choose the Room Number

The operator is prompted to select the room number from an existing AutoCAD text or block entity. If there is no existing room number, the operator can hit ‘Enter’, then type in the desired room number. Either method will populate the FAI smart room block with the desired room number. Each individual space on a floor must have a unique space identifier (room number). As a new room number is created, it is compared to the existing room numbers on that floor. If the room number already exists, the user is prompted to use a different room number.

Two permanent room numbers are placed in each room on different layers, one in the door opening and one in the center of the room. The placement of the centered room number is automated by inserting it in the center of the selected polyline. The user may then drag it to a new position for unusually shaped rooms. The link to the polyline is established by storing the room number in the polyline as extended entity data.

Step 4 – Select the High and Low Points

After positioning the permanent room numbers, the operator is asked if the high-low data needs editing. The high-low data is used when producing graphical reports with annotation (SREPORT). This data determines how much annotation can fit in each room before overflowing to the chart. Two intelligent coordinates are stored for each room, one to show the highest possible position for the room number block and one to show the lowest point in the room for writing text. Both points are picked while dragging an entity resembling the appropriate object and are stored as extended entity data in the polyline.

Figure 21 - Picking the High and Low Points with the SIROOM Command



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Step 5 – Determine the Number of Characters That Fit Within a Space

A visual "ruler" of characters is then seen by the operator allowing for determination of the maximum number of characters that will fit in the room. This character maximum is stored as extended entity data in the polyline.

Figure 22 – The Character Ruler

The room number block is then inserted in the selected positions on the appropriate layers automatically. FAI will automatically place the room number block on a separate layer whenever it is "attached" to a polyline on either the SP-PLCOMM or SP-PLMECH layers (or other layers specified in the FMG.CFG file). These layers will be frozen during the SREPORT command so room numbers in hallways and core areas won't show.

Note: The software is designed such that rooms should be created in the AutoCAD drawings. The SXPORT command will then add the rooms to the FAMIS database. If scheduling or other conflicts require that the rooms be added to the database before or during the drawing revision stage, it is IMPERATIVE that the Site-Building-Floor-Room identifier combinations in the drawing and database match exactly. If they do not, there will be no communication between the drawing and the desired rooms in the database. If the identifiers do not match, the SXPORT command will write the rooms in the drawing to the database. This will result in duplicate rooms in the FAMIS database.



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SEROOM – Room Number Block Editing Routine

This command works similar to the SIROOM command described above. It allows the user to change the room number, position, high-low and maximum characters on an existing intelligent room number block. This command uses the same method of requesting the data as the SIROOM command. The operator is also given the opportunity to update the permanent room number block positions as well as the intelligent high and low coordinates using methods similar to those described in the SIROOM command.

SRMSCL – Adjusts Insertion Scale Factor for Room Number Blocks

This command allows the user to adjust the scale factor of room number blocks to be inserted with the SIROOM command. Room number blocks that were previously inserted are not affected. The default scale factor is obtained from the settings applied in the SCFG command. If the scale factor is changed with this command, it is also changed in the SCFG dialog.

SRRMNOCHG – Globally Changes Room Number Blocks

This command allows the user to make a global change to the room number of multiple room number blocks in a single command.

Step 1 – Select Room Number Blocks

The operator will be prompted to select the room number blocks to be changed. The Window and Crossing selection methods may be used. Any entity included in the selection window that is not an intelligent room number block will be ignored. After the room number blocks to be changed have been selected, the SRMNOCHG Dialog will appear.

Step 2 – Select Change Type and Enter Change Condition(s)

There are three different options for globally changing the room numbers. The user may add a Prefix or a Suffix to each selected room number. Or, by using the ‘Find and Replace’ option, the user may revise sections of the room numbers (i.e. add/remove dashes or spaces).

Figure 23 – Add Room No. Prefix Figure 24 – Find / Replace Room No.



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SRMATTVIS – Sets Room Attribute Visibility

This command allows the user to set the room number, door number and data1-5 attributes to either be visible or invisible regardless of their respective layer setting. Checking or clearing the appropriate box toggles the attributes on and off.

Figure 25 – The Attribute Visibility Dialog



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ERROR CHECKING COMMANDS

Once the previously listed commands are completed, the floor plan drawing can be connected to the database. Prior to this connection, it is important to make sure there are no errors in the drawing that will affect the database. The error checking commands help prevent some common mistakes.

Step 1 – Check for Orphaned Polylines

SHOWPL – Shows Polylines that have no Intelligent Room Number Block

This command marks a temporary “X” on polylines that have no room number block attached. A simple redraw or zoom command will remove the “X” marks. The unattached polylines may be erased or attached to a room number using SIROOM or SEROOM.

Figure 26 - The Orphaned Polyline Indicator



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Step 2 – Check for Orphaned Room Blocks

SHOWRM -- Shows Room Blocks that have no Attached Polyline

This command marks a temporary "X" on room number blocks that have no polyline attached. A simple redraw or zoom command will remove the "X" marks. The unattached room blocks may be erased or attached to a polyline using SEROOM.

Figure 27 - The Orphaned Room Number Indicator



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Step 3 – Check for Missing Spaces

SHATCHALL – Colors all Intelligent Polylines in the Drawing

This command colorizes all the intelligent space polylines in a drawing. The layer the polyline is on will determine its color during SHATCHALL. The exterior gross area polyline will always hatch in the color white. When looking at the drawing, areas in the floor plan that show white may be areas missing space identifying polylines.

Figure 28 – A Missing Space Identified by SHATCHALL

SUNDO -- Undoes the Results of the SHATCHALL Command

This command will undo all of the modifications made to the drawing during the SHATCHALL command. All layers are returned to the states they possessed prior to invoking the command.

Step 4 – Check for Area Issues

SAREACOMP -- Calculates and Displays Square Footage

This command allows the operator to find out the polyline square footage status at any time. Upon execution this command will calculate the following:



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GROSS = the exterior gross area calculated from the exterior gross polyline, minus open to below areas

INTER = the interior gross area calculated from the interior gross polyline (if one exists, otherwise, this value displays the same as gross), minus open to below areas

VER PEN = the sum total of all the vertical penetration polyline areas

SUM = the sum total of all the "intelligent" space areas

DIFF = the difference between INTER and SUM expressed in sq. ft.

%DIFF = the differential determined by dividing DIFF by INTER

This information will be displayed at the command prompt as shown in the image below:

GROSS | INTER - VER PEN - SUM = DIFF or % DIFF

Figure 29 - Invoking the SAREACOMP Command



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DATABASE COMMANDS

The Database Commands allow bi-directional communication between the AutoCAD drawings and the FAMIS database.

EXPORTING THE DRAWING DATA Step 1 – Start the Export

SXPORT -- Export Data from Drawings Routine

This command exports the room data into the database. Any rooms that no longer exist in the drawing will be deleted in the database. Any new rooms in the drawing will be added to the database. All square footages are updated in the database.

Figure 30 - Invoking the SXPORT Command



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The center section of the dialog box informs the user of pending database changes. The user is given a count of rooms to be added to the database, rooms to be deleted from the database, and rooms whose area will be updated.

The following information is displayed before exporting.

Figure 31 - The Room Data Export Dialog



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Step 2 – Click the More Details button

By clicking the more details button, the user is shown lists of the room numbers and areas for the affected rooms in each of these three categories.

Figure 32 - The Export Details Dialog Box



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Step 3 – Write the Exception Report

Clicking the Write Report button generates an HTML file containing this same information. These files are useful for archiving as a permanent record of export activity.

Figure 33 – HTML Exception Report Figure 34 – HTML Exception Report Step 4 – Export the Data

Once the user has reviewed the data update information, the Yes to continue button is clicked. At this time, the database is updated to correspond to the drawing.

Figure 35 - The Export Details Dialog Box



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Note: Prior to exporting a floor plan to the FAMIS database for the first time, the Site, Building, and Floor must exist in the FAMIS database. Before the data is exported from AutoCAD and imported into FSM, FAMIS sets all the room status codes to INACTIVE. The rooms included in the AutoCAD export and imported into FAMIS are updated by the import and the room status code is set to OPEN.

If the floor has previously been exported from AutoCAD and imported into the FAMIS database, there are various possible scenarios the user should be aware of:

Scenerio 1. A room exists in the AutoCAD drawing but not in FAMIS If a room exists in the AutoCAD drawing but not in the FAMIS database, the room will be added to the FAMIS database when the floor info is exported from AutoCAD and imported into FAMIS. The room number, room area, and optional customized fields (up to five) will be added to the FAMIS database. The user must then fill in the remaining data pertaining to the space in FAMIS by using the FSM location Floor and Room forms.

Scenerio 2. A room with an OPEN status is found in FAMIS and there is a matching AutoCAD room If a room exists in the AutoCAD drawing AND in the FAMIS database, the room will be updated (including the optional customized fields) in the FAMIS database and the room status will be set to OPEN.

Scenerio 3. A room with an OPEN status is found in FAMIS but there is not a matching AutoCAD room Before the data is exported from AutoCAD and imported into FSM, FAMIS sets all the room status codes to INACTIVE. Even if the room had an OPEN status prior to the import from AutoCAD it would remain with an INACTIVE status after the import since a matching room was not found in the AutoCAD data. No FAMIS data would be updated from the AutoCAD data since no match was found.

Scenerio 4. A room with an INACTIVE status is found in FAMIS and there is a matching AutoCAD room All rooms will have an INACTIVE status prior to the import from AutoCAD based on the FAMIS process used during the interface (all room status codes are set to INACTIVE at the beginning of the process). If a room exists in the AutoCAD drawing AND in the FAMIS database (with an INACTIVE status), the room will be updated (including the optional customized fields) in the FAMIS database and the room status will be set to OPEN.

SXDATE -- Reports Last Date that Data was Exported from a Drawing

This command quickly reports the last date a SXPORT command was performed on the drawing.

SRMATTUPD – Updates Room Number Block Attributes on the Drawing

This command populates the room number block attributes (Data 1-5) with data from the database. If the attributes on the drawing have been changed, they will be overwritten by the incoming data.



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SCLEAR -- Clears Attribute Data from Room Number Blocks after Export

If the administrator has set up additional attributes for exporting to the database, this command will clear them. Otherwise, this command will have no effect on the drawing.

VIEWING ROOM DATA Step 1 – Invoke the View Room Data Command

SRMVIEW -- Views Room Data in Database for a Room Number Block

Figure 36 - Invoking the SRMVIEW Command

After selecting a Room Number Block a dialog box shows room information from a selected table or view from the database.



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Step 2 – Selecting the Data to View

The View Room Data Dialog Box will appear. Choose the Table/View for which you wish to see data.

Figure 37 – Choosing the Table/View

Figure 38 - The Results of the SRMVIEW Command



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GRAPHIC REPORTS

The Graphic Report Commands allow the user to create various types and styles of graphic reports based on information in the database.

CREATING A STANDARD GRAPHIC REPORT SREPORT -- Annotates, Colors, or Hatches Rooms based on Database info

Step 1 – Invoke the Graphic Report Command

This command offers a Dialog Box showing a list of standard reports.

Step 2 – Select a Standard Report

The user must select a standard report from the available list. If a color or hatch report is selected, proceed to Step 4. If a report containing annotation is selected, additional options for annotation behavior may become available at the bottom of the dialog box. The administrator determines which options, if any, are able to be modified by the user.

Figure 39 - The Standard Graphic Reports Dialog Box



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Step 3 – Select Annotation Options

The user may have the option to determine the behavior of the annotation in the standard graphic report as described below.

Annotation Overrides The annotation overrides will cause the software to ignore the preset parameters for all room numbers when annotating a report. It is important to note that by using these overrides, the annotation may write over itself and anything else in the drawing. There are three overrides available to change the annotations normal behavior:

Ignore Low Point in Room – This overrides the preset “low” point set during the SIROOM or SEROOM commands. This allows the annotation to flow as far below the room number as is necessary to show all selected annotation fields.

Ignore Maximum Characters – This overrides the preset “max-char” parameter set during the SIROOM or SEROOM commands. This allows the annotation to become as wide as is necessary to show the entire entry of a particular line.

Annotation Ratio – This overrides the preset annotation text height. The number entered in the field is a multiplication factor of the preset text height. If 2.5 is entered, the new annotation will be two and one-half times larger than if using the preset size set by the Dwg Scale in the SCFG.

Vertical Justification The vertical justification section allows the user to change how the room number block and text is placed in the room. In all options, the room number block and text are treated as a singular unit “the annotation”, moving together.

High Point in Room – Moves the annotation, setting the top of room number block at the “high point” of room as preset by the user with SIROOM or SEROOM.

Centered in Room – Vertically centers the annotation between the high and low points of room as preset by the user with SIROOM or SEROOM.

No Movement – The room number block remains in its initial position, as preset by the user with SIROOM or SEROOM, and the annotation text begins below it.

Figure 40 - The Standard Graphic Reports Dialog Box



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Step 4 – Click the Start Button

Clicking the start button will quickly create your graphic report as seen below.

Figure 41 - A Standard Graphic Report



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CREATING AD HOC GRAPHIC REPORTS

Step 1 – Invoke the Graphic Report Command

Step 2 – Click the Ad Hoc Button

The user may elect to produce an “Ad Hoc” report. When “Ad Hoc” is chosen, the content of the report is defined by the user in a dialog box.

Figure 42 - The Ad Hoc Button



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Step 3 – Choose a Report Style

Figure 43 - Ad-Hoc Report Dialog Box

Graphic Report Descriptions Four basic types of reports can be generated - Color, Hatch, Color/Hatch and Annotate. Each is described below.

Color This routine provides the flexibility to colorize by any field in the database. Using the dialog box, one field must be selected for colorization.

The routine changes each polyline color according to values for the selected field from the database. The polyline will be "filled" in color by AutoCAD’s solid hatch. A legend is created on the drawing showing each field beside a "swatch" of color. Only the fields actually used in the drawing are included in the legend to improve legibility. The administrator can specify colors for particular values by using the CLRSPCL and CLRORDR variables in the FMG.CFG file.



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An additional option to the color report is made available by checking the “Color Only Where...” box. The user must then click the “Color” button to choose a color for the report. Then, after clicking the “Add” button in the “Where Criteria” section, the user must choose the criteria against which to report.

Hatch This report hatches the drawings based on any field in the database. The process is similar to the Color Report.

The routine hatches each polyline according to the pattern, scale, angle, and color set up by the administrator. A legend is created on the drawing showing each field beside a "swatch" of hatch.

Color/Hatch This report fills the appropriate rooms in the drawings with color and a hatch pattern based on any field in the database. The process is similar to the Color Report.

The routine color/hatches each polyline according to the fill color, hatch pattern, scale, angle, and hatch color set up by the administrator. A legend is created on the drawing showing each field beside a "swatch" of hatch.

Annotate This report places text information from the database under each room number block in the drawing. If an Ad Hoc report is chosen, the fields to be annotated must be selected. The values from each field will be written in the room in the order selected. A maximum of five (5) lines may be annotated.

This report allows more data to be annotated than can fit in the rooms by creating an overflow chart on the drawing. The data will be placed in the overflow chart if any of the following tests are true:

� there are more lines being written then can fit between the room number and the low coordinate indicated when the room was inserted with SIROOM or SEROOM.

� there are more characters in one of the lines of text than the room's character maximum will allow.

The program will write as much of the text into the room as will fit. Whenever all the text does not fit it is shown entirely in the overflow chart and an asterisk is placed by the room number block. Both the text and the table are placed on separate layers that are determined from the FMG.CFG file. By default the room number is moved to the high coordinate and the text is written below it. The “Attach Overrides” and “Vertical Justification” sections allow the user to modify the way the annotation behaves as outlined above in the Standard Report section.

All of these reports may be printed using any supported AutoCAD plotting device.



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Step 4 – Choose the Data Set to Report Against

Step 5 – Choose the Desired Report Data

Step 6 – Choose Report Criteria if Desired

Step 7 – Choose the Legend Settings

The user may elect to display or not display the area totals and/or room quantities on the legend for each reported field. Simply check or uncheck the appropriate box. At this time, the user may also enter a title to appear on the legend.

Step 8 – Choose to Undo Previous Color, Hatch and/or Annotation Report

Step 9 – Click the Start Button

SUNDO -- Undoes the Results of the SREPORT Command

This command will undo all of the modifications made to the drawing during the SREPORT command. All layers will be returned to the states they possessed prior to the report generation.

SURL – Creates DWF Files for Viewing on the Internet/Intranet

This command allows the user to attach a URL address to each room number block and create a DWF file of the floor plan. The DWF file can be viewed with Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer with the Autodesk DWF Viewer. The URL address will allow the drawing to hyperlink to data over the Web.

Figure 44 - The Update Space URL’s Dialog Box



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CREATING A COMPOSITE DRAWING

Step 1 – Insert Placeholder Blocks

The user must first insert blocks to show the final placement of the actual floor plans to be inserted in the composite drawing. Blocks consisting of an outline of the floor plan and a title provide the best performance.

Figure 45 – Composite Drawing Placeholder Blocks

Step 2 – Configure the Drawing Settings

The user must invoke the SCFG command and choose “Composite” as the drawing type. Many of the settings will “grey out”. The remaining available settings (drawing scale and legend ratio) must be filled in. The Legend must be placed and the color/hatch reporting options may be set at this time if desired.

SICOMP – Links Floor Plans for Composite Drawings

This command is used to set up a composite drawing for performing reports on multiple buildings and/or floors.



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Step 3 – Invoke the SICOMP Command

The user will be prompted to select a floor plan block. Upon selecting a block, the SICOMP dialog box will appear.

Step 4 – Apply SICOMP Configuration Details

The user must enter the Site, Building, and Floor EXACTLY as they appear in the database for the selected floor plan block. Failure to match the data exactly will prohibit the composite report from working. The user must then enter the path to the actual floor plan file. This can also be achieved by clicking the “Browse” button to navigate to the file. The full drawing path must be used. AutoCAD will not properly support relative paths in this application.

Figure 46 – SICOMP Dialog Box

Step 5 – Save the Drawing as a Template File

The user must save the drawing as an AutoCAD Drawing Template file (.DWT). This allows the composite file to be used for multiple reports without disturbing the integrity of the original file.



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Figure 47 – Composite Report

Figure 48 – Composite Report in Custom Layout View

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