Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: THE PURPOSE OF USING USF CAD STANDARDS ............................................................................5
1.1 Why the University has Data Standards ............................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Scope of the CAD Data Standards ..................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Who Must Use the Standards? .......................................................................................................................... 6
SECTION 2: CAD ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................7
2.1 Basic CAD Software ........................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 CAD Application Software .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Files Translation and Submission ...................................................................................................................... 7
SECTION 3: REQUESTING CAD DATA FROM THE UNIVERSITY .............................................................................8
3.1 How to Request Data ......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Communication about the CAD Standards ......................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Suggestions for the Standards ........................................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 4: DELIVERABLES REQUIRED BY THE UNIVERSITY ...............................................................................9
4.1 Delivery of a Hardcopy Set ................................................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Delivery of CAD Files (Vector Files) ................................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Delivery of PDF Files (Raster Files) ................................................................................................................. 10
4.4 Required Checklist ........................................................................................................................................... 10
4.5 Digital Media Labeling ...................................................................................................................................... 10
4.6 Validation of Delivered Materials ...................................................................................................................... 10
4.7 Ownership and Rights of Data.......................................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 5: TYPES OF CAD FILES ..................................................................................................................11
5.1 Model Files ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
5.2 Sheet Files ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
SECTION 6: DRAWING FILE NAMES & SHEET NUMERATION ..............................................................................12
6.1 Drawing File Naming Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 12
6.2 Sheet Numeration Method ............................................................................................................................... 12
SECTION 7: DRAWING LAYER DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................15
7.1 Layer Standards ............................................................................................................................................... 15
7.2 Layer Formats .................................................................................................................................................. 15
7.3 Drawing Layer Chart ........................................................................................................................................ 16
SECTION 8: DRAWING SETUP .........................................................................................................................19
8.1 Drawing Units ................................................................................................................................................... 19
8.2 Accuracy .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
8.3 Scale ................................................................................................................................................................ 19
8.4 Origins and Registration of CAD Data Files ..................................................................................................... 19
8.5 Entities and Graphic Representation ................................................................................................................ 20
8.6 Saved State of CAD Model Files ...................................................................................................................... 20
Computer‐Aided Design (CAD) is an accepted tool for producing the documentation required for
construction and management of facilities; it also provides for a common medium of information exchange.
In fact, the true power and potential of CAD is the ability to re‐use and share the information contained
within the CAD document. The key to realizing this potential is common organizing principles and standards
for the production and dissemination of CAD information. The standard organization of files, layers and
entities, as well as standardized software applications is essential for effective work and communication.
Standards are necessary to ensure that:
CAD drawings and data created in one phase (e.g., design) are readily usable in subsequent
phases (e.g., facility management, space management).
Drawings and data are applicable for their intended use.
Drawings and data are compatible with the available CAD equipment and software.
Drawings and data created for one project or project discipline are compatible with those
created for others.
Drawings and data can be transferred and integrated with other applications, such as facility
management and space management.
Drawings and data created in one department of the University are consistent with those
developed by the other departments.
The compatibility of the University’s CAD drawings and data with pertinent national,
international and industry standards are maintained.
The University's CAD standards are based on industry standards. The guidelines and requirements of the
standards are essential to the development of all University facilities.
Because CAD guidelines relate to an area of technology that continues to change, it is important that they
evolve and improve. These standards were developed to ensure that the University of South Florida and its
consultants conform to the broader scope of the National CAD Standard sponsored by the National Institute
of Building Sciences (NIBS) CAD Council, these Standards partially incorporate recommended guidelines
from the following:
United States National CAD Standard (NCS)
American Institute of Architects (AIA), CAD Layer Guidelines
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Uniform Drawing System (UDS)
Consultants may request copies of existing CAD data for University facilities. CAD data is provided for the
convenience of the recipient only and is not to be shared with out USF approval. This data has been
gathered from a variety of sources, and it may or may not conform to the USF CAD standards. The data may
be incomplete, or may not accurately reflect current facility conditions.
The University makes no representation as to the data's completeness or accuracy. Consultants also should
acknowledge that CAD data appears to be extremely accurate because it has been generated with a
computer, and that the accurate appearance of drawings does not guarantee that they truly represent
existing conditions. CAD data submitted by consultants to the University must be accurate and must
conform to the current CAD standards, even if reference data provided by the University was inaccurate or
did not conform to the standards.
The following applies to both New Construction & Renovation Documents. “New Construction Documents”
are those drawings which are developed by USF consultants or vendors under contract to provide drawings
which will be used by a General Contractor for the construction of a new USF facility. Conversely,
“Renovation Documents” are those drawings which are developed by USF consultants or vendors under
contract to provide drawings which will be used by a General Contractor for the construction of an
extension or alteration to an existing USF facility.
At the conclusion of a project, consultants must submit to the FPC Archive Department in a single letter of
transmittal the following:
(1) Full size hardcopy set for both the 100% documents & Final Record (As‐Built) documents
(1) Full set of checked electronic files matching the hardcopy set delivered on CD or DVD of all
CAD Design and supporting files (i.e. e‐transmits, fonts, xrefs & images etc.) that includes all
disciplines.
(1) Full and matching set of .pdf files for both 100% and Final Record (As‐Built) documents as
separate files of each sheet in the set matching the hardcopy exactly.
(1) Completed – Electronic File Submission Check List (last page in these standards)
Each of these submittals is explained in more detail below.
NOTE:
If there are any conflicts, differences or lack of mention requiring CAD and deliverable
standards between the consultant’s contract with USF and these USF CAD Standards,
the USF CAD Standrads supersedes and takes precedence.
The University's CAD data will include two distinct types of CAD files, model files and sheet files. Model files
contain the project's data, and sheet files are the vehicles used to present the data in different ways.
Files should be labeled in a format that provides information & organization. The naming of project files is
imperative to the effective use of the deliverables for USF’s file management and archiving methods.
Drawing Type
DRAWING TYPE DESCRIPTION
Drawings showing changes that occurred during
A = As Built
construction
R = Renovation / Remodeling Additions or changes after occupancy
RA = Renovation As‐Built (if needed) Changes during construction of renovation
RO = Renovation Original (if needed) Original renovation drawings
O = Original Original drawing to build the building
P = Permit Permitted documents with stamp and signature
PR = Permit Review Documents submitted for permit review
Date of drawing should match the date of the latest revision. Please do not use dates that have
been handwritten or stamped onto the drawing.
0012_A1.0_R.dwg
Example 1 This would be the file name for sheet A1.0 in a set of renovation
documents for building 12
0311_E1‐PH2_RA.dwg
Example 2 This would be the file name for sheet E‐1 of phase 2 in a set of renovation
as‐built documents for building 311.
Facilities Planning & Construction at the University of South Florida has adopted a system of electronically
cataloging information concerning the buildings on our campuses. The effective use of Computer Aided
Design (CAD) in architecture, engineering and facility management depends on sharing graphic information.
These standards are intended to serve as a guideline by which an information sharing system can be
created. The absence of a standard would result in unrealized potential for sharing graphic information. The
standards strive for a balance, providing a general framework for practice while allowing expansion and
modification.
The structure for these standards was derived in part from the AIA CAD Layer Guidelines, and the U.S.
National CAD Standard, both having major influence over the built‐in layer naming structure utilized by
Autodesk’s AutoCAD Architecture. Therefore, the following layer naming system is a direct derivation of
the default layer naming system used by AutoCAD Architecture.
DISCIPLINE DESIGNATOR
A– Architectural O– Operations
B– Geotechnical P– Plumbing
C– Civil Q– Equipment
D– Process R– Resource
E– Electrical S– Structural
F– Fire Protection T– Telecommunications
G– General U– University
H– Hazardous Materials V– Survey/Mapping
I– Interiors W– Civil Works
L– Landscape X– Other Disciplines
M– Mechanical Z– Contractor / Shop Drawings
MAJOR DESIGNATOR
Accs – Access Plan Flor – Floor
Anno – Annotation Furn – Furnishings
Area – Area Glaz – Glazing
Beam – Beams HVAC – HVAC
Clng – Ceiling Lite – Lighting Fixtures
Code – Code Compliance Plan Plan – Key Plan (Floor Plan)
Cols -- Columns Poly – Polygons
Comm – Telecommunications Prop – Property
Conv – Conveying Systems Prot – Fire Protection System
Ctrl – Control Points Roof – Roof
Detl – Detail Sect – Section
Door – Doors Site – Site Plan
Elec – Electrical Slab – Slabs
Elev – Elevation Strm – Drainage
Eqpm – Equipment Tinn – Triang. Irregular Network
Evac – Evacuation Plan Topo – Topography
Fire – Fire Protection Plan Wall – Walls
MINOR GROUP
Abov – Elements Above Nplt – No-plot Graphic Information
Accs – Access Occp – Occupant Names
Adtv – Additive Elements Open – Openings
Appl – Appliances Otln – Outline
Assm – Assemblies Ovhd – Overhead
Bdry – Boundary Elements Patt – Patterns (Texture or Hatch)
Blow – Below Pepl – People
Brce – Braces Pkng – Parking
Brng – Bearings & Distance Labels Plnt – Plants
Case – Casework Pnls – Panels (Elec. / Furniture Partitions)
Cavi – Cavity Powr – Power
Chas – Chase Prht – Partial Height
Clng – Ceiling Prof – Profiles
Cntr – Centerline Rais – Raised
Comm – Tele-Com RDFF – Return Air Diffusers
Comp – Internal Components Rdme – Read-me-layer (no-plot)
STATUS
1– Phase 1 C– Not in Contract
2– Phase 2 D– Existing to Demolish
3– Phase 3 E– Existing to Remain
4– Phase 4 F– Future Work
5– Phase 5 M– Items to be moved
6– Phase 6 N– New Work
7– Phase 7 R– Relocated
8– Phase 8 T– Temporary Work
– – –
NOTE:
Facilities Planning & Construction has provided an additional document entitled:
USF Layer Guidelines and is available on the FPC website. www.usf.edu/fpc
This document contains more descriptive layer names to be used as a guide in the
development of CAD Drawings that will be submitted to the University.
This section describes how to organize and set up CAD drawings for the University. It has been prepared
using the AIA CAD Layer Guidelines and the CSI Uniform Drawing System. These standards are available
from the United States National CAD Standard (NCS) web site. It is recommended that University employees
and consultants obtain copies of these materials to supplement these standards.
United States National CAD Standard (NCS)
NCS version 5 contains both CAD Layer Guidelines and Uniform Drawing System
http://www.nationalcadstandard.org/ncs5/index.php
Consultants must obtain prior approval from the USF FPC Project Manager for any exceptions to the
drawing set up standards. Consultants must submit documentation that shows the files affected and how
they deviate from the standards.
8.2 Accuracy
All CAD drawings shall be drafted using precision input employing the most accurate source
material available. For all drawing entities, zero tolerance is required, all lines meet at intersections,
straight lines are straight, blocks are inserted properly without overlap, etc.
Consultants are responsible for the accuracy of all CAD drawings delivered to the University,
regardless of the accuracy of CAD drawings of previous projects furnished by the University as a
convenience to the consultant.
8.3 Scale
Model Space objects shall be created at full size. 1 AutoCAD unit = 1 foot for civil or engineering
general and 1 AutoCAD unit = 1 inch for architectural so therefore a 100‐foot wall will be drawn to
100 feet and a 36‐inch column will be drawn to 36 inches. The following types of CAD drawings may
be drawn to any scale: schedules, riser diagrams, schematic diagrams and single line diagrams.
8.7 Plotting
Each drawing sheet file generally represents a single plotted drawing. The sheet origin point is the
lower left‐hand corner of the sheet. The sheet border may be an xref file inserted at 0,0. No
drawing entities should reside outside of the sheet's border. When saving a sheet file, make only
the layers needed for correct plotting of the sheet visible. Plotting shall be set at a scale of 1"=1".
9.6 Dimensions
Associative dimensions should be used. Consultants should insure that all dimensions are in a
named dimension style for all dimensions in CAD files, so the dimension parameters can be readily
modified as needed. Dimension overrides are only acceptable if text is needed to be added to a
dimension line. Overrides are not allowed to be used to change the measurement of the dimension.
NOTE: Model space objects should never be scaled to facilitate dimensions. The measurement scale
factor should be modified in the related dimension style to accommodate mixed annotation and
drawing scales.
9.8 Blocks
Any graphic entity that occurs repeatedly in drawings should be made into a block. Insertion points
for blocks shall be consistent with its placement in the drawing. Use a logical insertion point (center
of circle, bottom left corner of object, etc.). Keep names simple and descriptive. AutoCAD block
names must be unique within each project.
Nested blocks contain more than one block definition. Nested blocks need to be un‐nested before
the files are submitted to the University.
All block entities and their components should be created on an appropriately named layer per
the CAD standard.
9.9 Hatching
Use only those hatch patterns provided with AutoCAD. Do not use third party hatch patterns.
The University of South Florida’s Room Numbering Guidelines are based on the space file schema mandated
by the Florida Board of Education and guidelines set by The Florida Building and Life Safety Code. The
format is as follows:
The room number consists of a 7 Character maximum with 1 or 2 optional alpha prefix, a 4 digit number and
an optional 1 character alpha suffix. If there is need for 2 alpha prefixes, approval must be given by USF FPC
prior to use.
Room numbers should be assigned at the 50% Construction Document phase. Coordinate all room numbers
with the USF FPC Space Coordinator. The USF FPC Project Manager will serve as the point of contact. All
room numbers are to be approved before use in the project.
Facilities requiring the use of four‐digit room numbering will vary, depending upon how many
numbers are skipped and also the number of suites vs. rooms requiring non‐suffixed numbers
Room numbers shall be coordinated so that even numbers are on one side of a corridor and
odd numbers are on the other side. (In more complex designs, or where the availability of
numbers is limited, the odd‐even format can be abandoned if consecutive numbering results in
a more logical scheme.)
In some instances, room numbers on one side of a corridor shall be skipped in order to
maintain succession with the room numbers on the opposite side of the corridor. This may
occur, for example, when a suite of rooms or large space is accessed through a single door and
there are no other doors on that same side until further down the corridor. This will allow for
(1) Gross Square feet = the area of the building defined from the exterior face of the building wall. The Gross
also includes all covered external areas.
(2) Net Square feet = All interior usable spaces excluding walls and mechanical chases. Do not include any
exterior spaces in the net sq.ft.
Electronic File Submission Checklist
(Complete, Sign and attach to deliverables)
All externally referenced drawings, images, and files are included in a .zip file created with e‐
transmit
Layers are consistent with USF CAD standards and unused layers have been purged
If needed, files have been translated into a version of AutoCAD compatible with
the version currently being used by USF Facilities Planning
File names clearly indicate the drawing sheet number
Referenced font and shape files have been included with submission
All nested blocks & external references (xref) have been un‐nested
Model Space drawings are scaled at life size and all paper space drawings are scaled 1:1
Drawing sets have been checked for missing and illegible sheets/drawings
All consultants / discipline drawings are included
Room numbers adhere to USF room numbering standards and have been approved by USF
CDs/DVDs have been clearly labeled with official project information
Full size hardcopy set is provided with the electronic files for use by the FPC Archive
Department
Project Name Date
Name of Company or Department Submitting Deliverables
Signature of Person Submitting Printed Name
For: Archive Department use only (below this line)
Accepted
Returned
Name of Archive Department Reviewer Date