The National CAD Standard

[Chadi SAROUFIM]

Anyone using the The National CAD Standard?
If yes kindly share with us your experience.

Is there any other CAD standard used elsewhere?

[Anonymous]

Yes, we use it in my firm and my templates (available at my web site) also incorporate portions of it.

In basic terms the NCS is simply a guideline of how to structure you CAD layers and files as well as how to structure printed documents. Think of it as a set of drafting standards designed to unify the drawing standards of all trades. The benefits are that it is easier to communicate, both with computer files and paper, if everyone can recognize the methods by which they were created.

It is NOT cast in stone and users can modify it and use only the portions needed by the specific trade to accomplish what needs to be done.

We have found it useful, educational, and something that we can advertise to our clients and consultants.

[David Larrew]

My office has used the NCS since its inception. As Eric said, it is a guideline to follow and is completely customizable to your needs.

Also be aware that NIBS is currently working on a National BIM Standard. I am currently involved with the NBIMS committee, and the NCS will most probably be utilized in the future NBIMS.

[Anonymous]

I too have been adapting the NCS for most of my clients for years now. I strongly recommend it. It works well, will be familiar to consultants and new hires, and can be modified quite easily to fit most any firm's needs without deviating very far from the baseline.