Autocad Or Autocad LT

3Corgis

I've used Autocad for years and even the LT version for awhile, but typically just for drafting (2D type) of work. I had done some 3D modeling with software that ran with Autocad (such as Sedcad). Now that I'm "on my own" and not really expecting to do rendering (why start now), I'm looking at "what's necessary".

My stormwater plans require drawings (2D) and perhaps larger gov't files may be sent to me to open. I'm trying to see if the LT version has any situations that has caused any here to throw up their arms and say "Darn, LT isn't cutting it!"

The Autodesk site seems to indicate LT is fine for what I want to do, but ...one last check before I plunk down the cash.

Thanks folks

KentWhitten

I'm not positive, but I think AutoCAD Civil would have more tools for you for stormwater stuff. If you're experienced and have been able to do it without on LT, then you might find it not necessary. I'm not positive, but I think Civil is 3d only...but not sure. Which translates to $$$$ unfortunately.

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Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

reveivl

I used LT for years and loved it. Only moved to CAD2000 when I needed to share files with engineers and the like, which LT couldn't open. Didn't really need most of the 'extras' that 2000 had, and found it slower (more choices at each step), but then just customised it down to where I was just as fast with it as LT.

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Cole

Add another vote for AutoCAD Civil 3D:

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KentWhitten

Daaaamn Cole! Did you do that? Nice!

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If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

3Corgis

Thanks for the feedback and I must say, the Civil package does tug on my sleeve saying "buy me...buy me now!!".

I have over 1,000 earthwork related projects behind me and have yet to do much in the automated format. Started using the drafting techniques of projecting from plan view to cut cross sections and establish profiles. I'm doubting I'll get into altering the "clients" base drawing with new contours. My thought is for the small amount of ground disturbance I would deal with, could I add that to the clients drawings with LT processes. Of course my BIG assumption is that this package won't be called on to do a major earthwork project! In that case a surface modeling package like 3D would be NEEDED...or do it the old fashioned way.

I do remember the LT problem of reading other drawings but it appears the newest version basically will read all the types of files I'll need.

Still, the civil package WOULD have the abilities to insert modifications to the 3D surface, IF that ever became a need. Now I'll have to take a second look at the products

I'll keep an eye on this thread since rushing out is not necessary.

Thanks folks!

Mitch M

I have Lt that I use so that I can read files from others and also to convert and read a DFX file. Unfortunately I had to replace my computer and it had Vista. I went to load it up on that and I realized that it would not work. It is my understanding that they do not have a patch or update and not sure when they are going to do it.

I had to put it on my laptop which has XP. Doublecheck your operating system before getting it.

3Corgis

Thanks Mitch. Good point. I can only guess they will face that issue down the road but that does speak to quite a few programs. My "work" machine is Dec. 2004 with XP and I have at least one "back-up" that I could use if needed.

Keep fingers crossed the machines keep running. Using Carlsons or AutoCad Civil package could compound that on top of the full Autocad not working on Vista. Although I should check the site, now that I think of it I THOUGHT they ran on Vista (newest version).

Been too busy to move forward anyway, but keep itchin' to get something.

HallisseyDesign

I have cad08 and it runs on vista ultimate for me just fine of my laptop.

Alwaysconfusd11

i have the whole autodesk package, '04 and '08 WOOHOO perks of being a student..and they run fine both on a vista laptop and XP desktop.

wallmaxx

HOLY COW COLE!!!!!


If you wanna move up here...you won't have any problems makin' the $$$$ with your mad cad skilz