Footprint Creator

Footprint Creator is a command that allows for the creation of a library and placement of building footprints. The command is run from the Area/Layout menu and found in the Layout Utilities sub menu. The command inserts footprint drawings and uses the layering scheme in them to place the footprints with options. Footprint Creator allows the person producing plans to include optional aspects of designs such as; locating the garage left and right and including details such as driveways. Labeling tools are provided should it be desired that elements of the footprints are called out in the plans.

Command Operation



The command starts with a dialog that allows for the selection of a footprint by a number of characteristics. These are region, model and elevation. Placement of the garage is able to be left or right.  There is also a message board function that allows for team members to share information with each other about use and updates to footprints. For operation of the command select Next.



Footprint drawings may contain optional elements to be included upon placement. In this case an option is a master suite. This is read from the source drawings layering convention. To place an option select it by single clicking and choose the Add button. To remove it select it from the Selected Options pane and then select the Remove button. The Remove All button does just that and allows you to restart the selection of options.

There are two options that control if the footprint will include an enclosure line or simply place the footprint as drawn in the source drawing.  The list options toggles will annotate the options either by leader, in a list or both.

Use the back button should you realize a different footprint is needed.

Select the next button to select further options.




Porches and Bay Windows

The source drawing's layering scheme is used to allow for the placement of porches and bay windows. The command reads the drawing and displays any porches or bay windows available. If none are included this pull down will be blank.

Excavation Lines

Excavation lines are also read from the source drawing. If none are included this pull down will be blank.

Driveways

The source drawing can also include driveways. Again, if none are present in the drawing this pull down will be blank.

Add Special, Remove Special, Remove All

The Add Special, Remove Special and Remove All buttons will add the options selected. Remove them individually or remove them all.

Create Footprint

When ready to place the footprint select Create Footprint. You will be prompted to select an insertion point.


Pick an insertion point:



Configure

To configure Footprint Creator select the Configure button on the first dialog. This must be coordinated with the drawings and directory structure for them in order for the command to work properly.

Footprint Configuration Manager



The Footprint Folder is the folder where all of the sub folders for footprints will be located. The Model Data and Elevation Data Files by default will be located in your Settings folder. Each footprint is stored in a folder with a name that corresponds to elements of the footprint. A footprint is included with the Carlson installation. It is 0999-Edgemont KY.dwg and is located in a folder named 0999-Edgemont KY under the settings folder.

Layers are included that are read by the command to determine which elements of the drawing are place when the command is run.



Other layers that can be used are those related to excavation. They require a layer that includes EXC following the first to numeric characters and the dash. Layers with OPT are standard Options. They must be preceded by 00- as shown. Layers that include the Elevation name can be selected during command operation.

Model Data

To create or edit Models select the Model Data button.



The Model Code is a four digit code that will be the first four characters of the folder and drawing file name. This is followed by a dash and then the Model Name which is followed by a space and then the Region Code. The command matches the Region Code to the Region Name for display in the dialog box for Region. The Notes are purely descriptive.

Add Model Data

To add a model select the Add button.



The Model Code is four numeric characters. The Model name can be alpha or numeric. The Region Code is a two character designation. The Region Name matches up with the Region Code and can be alpha or numeric.  The notes are descriptive and are there purely to help understand information about the Model.  To edit an existing Model select the Model and then select the Edit button. To save a Model for modification, select the Model and then select the Save As button.  Should the list of models become extensive, use the Search button to locate the model desired.

Elevation Data Manager

To create or edit Elevation Data select the Elevation Data button.



The operation of this dialog is nearly identical to the Model Data Manager dialog. The Code and Name relate to layers in the source drawing.

Pulldown Menu Location: Area/Layout - Layout Utilities
Keyboard Command: createfp
Prerequisite: Footprint drawings in properly named folders with layering convention matching the command configuration.