I'm not sure what the point is of this post. The title sort of sums it up. These thoughts came to mind so I wrote them down.
A common misconception is that AutoCAD from Autodesk is the world’s leading 2D design software. I’m not saying it’s not, because it is. AutoCAD is the world standard CAD program for 2D design. The misconception is that it doesn’t do 3D. But in fact, it does 3D quite well. True, in the past, AutoCAD’s 3D abilities are lacking when compared to design programs that specialized in 3D design. Well of course it did. AutoCAD was meant from the beginning to be a 2D drafting tool. But now it is a full 3D design tool. Not only is it a design tool, but it has features that automate your work. I could go on and on about why AutoCAD is great, but I won’t. Maybe that’s a series of posts for later. But suffice it to say that the tools in AutoCAD allow you to design in 3D and to automate your drawings. Make a change to your model and your drawing sheets are updated. Yes it does that! No AutoCAD is not BIM, or CIM, or IM, but it is and can be a part of those processes. Programs like Revit are not BIM. BIM is not a program or software package. It is a process of modeling information in an automated process. Revit can and should be a large part of that process for architects, structural engineers, facilities managers and contractors. But Revit is not BIM. Revit can do things that AutoCAD can’t, obviously, but AutoCAD can do many more things that Revit can’t. Revit is “type cast” into specific roles. It is a specialist program. That is why it is far superior as a building design tool when compared to, well, anything really. But can it create machined parts? No. Can it create textile designs? No. AutoCAD can. AutoCAD’s strength lies in its diversity. Revit’s strength lies in it purposefulness.
Brian,
ReplyDeleteI think that you hit on a very valid point. I am reminded of a recent Tweet for a post by Lynn Allen asking why more people do not use the parametric tools in AutoCAD.
If I were to speculate I think that the it is primarily an example of time + effective marketing. Autodesk has been 20+ years into building a marketing foundation for the AutoCAD brand with 2D as the main support. While dedicated users know that the platform has long since evolved, the general conception of the product is as a 2D application. Now the current Autodesk message has to battle the existing brand to introduce and establish a new brand for the 3D and other features.
It's a very difficult matter to say the least.
- KFD -
I cannot really comment about the Revit vs 3D AutoCAD side of things but I will say that while AutoCAD *can* be used as a 3D design tool for mechanical designs, there are MUCH better tools out there to do the job. I can dig a hole with a spoon but it works better with a backhoe.
ReplyDeleteSean thanks for commenting and I agree with you 100%. Yes AutoCAD has great 3D modeling tools. And Yes, Revit is a better tool for building design than AutoCAD is. But Revit is limited in what it can do. It does one job, buildings, and that's all. So if your work is something than buildings, Revit sucks. Keeping with your excellent comparison, spoons and backhoes are both great for digging holes. But a spoon is a better hole digger than a backhoe will ever be, if you need small holes dug. So you still need a spoon in your tool chest. You limit what type of holes you can dig if you only have a backhoe. I can dig the same hole with that spoon as the backhoe can, I just can't do it as quickly nor as efficiently, but I can still dig it. But the backhoe, can never do what the spoon does. It's the same with AutoCAD and Revit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Sean. Do you use Revit?
To me, there are proper tools for every purpose. There are many big players in manufacturing industry, but there is still a place for everyone. Even for AutoCAD.
ReplyDeleteThat is why AutoCAD Architecture is still strong. It has specific tool for building plus every AutoCAD tools.