blads blog

If there were ever a time to upgrade your AutoCAD license it is now! So what's new? Whilst there doesn’t seem to be any one “new” thing, there is a plethora of product enhancements to existing commands and features. One thing that isn't new is the DWG file type, yes AutoCAD 2016 will still run on AutoCAD 2013 DWG. Here’s a brief list of some of the new enhancements and features…          Snap to geometric centre.  A new object snap mode – geometric centre, or GCE at the command-line – allows you to snap to the centre of closed polylines, whether regular or irregular.           REVCLOUD command has some new options.           The DIM command has been updated. The command has combined all dimensions creation controls into one command. Simply type DIM on the command line and right-click. Thankfully, I no longer have to find or remember the commands for the individual dimension types.   ...

The place that  Revit  holds in Australia's architecture and construction scene is simply undeniable. Since the time I became one of Australia's first users of the software back in the early 2000s, I've seen its presence Down Under grow in leaps and bounds, and for good reason. But where does the appeal even come from in the first place? I think the solid backing and reputation of Autodesk, who owns and produces Revit, certainly has a part to play. In addition to its technical superiority there's a huge worldwide support base to fall back on, and that definitely lends it an aura of credibility. There are certainly a lot of other products out there - many of which I've used at some point - but it's clear that few come close to Revit. It's become even better over the years. With a new rendering engine, you can do a lot more things with it than before. From incorporating structural and MEP disciplines to point cloud compatibility, it's a much more slic...

In keeping the  with a time-honoured tradition, I'm happy to present the 2014 Edition of the  CWC  Calendar… The AUGI CWC Calendar can be once again be downloaded from the AUGI Coffee Without Cad forums here [Note: You must be logged into the AUGI Forums to view this the calendar] thanks to all at #AU2013 who participated in "wearing" the "official AUGI hat"

  T he Board of Directors is the governing body for AUGI. They are involved in long range planning, vision casting, high level management and most importantly, positive member interactions. The board is responsible for the overarching direction of the organization. The Board possess a passion for Autodesk products and services and they are committed to sharing knowledge amongst the AUGI membership. Specific goals for the organisation vary from year to year, but the underlying theme – that AUGI is all about users helping users – is constant. This year, I am pleased to announce that I have been selected as a candidate for the  elections of the AUGI Board of Directors.  I encourage you to see what all the candidates have to say at  http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?1415-AUGI-Board-Candidates-Discussion-%282013%29 . As a candidate for the current election of the AUGI Board of Directors , I am pleased to announce that voting is now open .

Autodesk University , or AU as its more commonly known by is  is an annual conference run by Autodesk  each year, where all the biggest CAD geeks on the planet assemble and compare notes on best practices for their industries and try to outdo each other when squealing in glee over the latest updates to their favourite CAD package.   I've had the opportunity to attend AU for the past seven years and I must tell you: I squealed with the best of them! Seriously, AU is a fantastic event that gives you the opportunity to look at your everyday work processes in ways you’ve never even considered. Let me put that into perspective for you. I’ve been using CAD for 20 years now, been a architectural technician, building  designer, and these days my focus is implementing and training people on the best ways of using CAD/BIM for a local autodesk reseller and even I'm totally floored at the wealth of knowledge and new ideas that exist at AU. Of course it w...

In keeping the tradition, the CWC Calendar can be once again available here [Note: You must be logged into the AUGI Forums to view this the calendar] thanks to all at #AU2012 who participated in "wearing" the "official AUGI hat"

In keeping with previous years', those AUGI members who wish to distinguish their luggage other AU attendees - behold your very own luggage tags - designed to fit on 4.25" x 2.5" laminated luggage tags

News this week - the beloved AUGI Forums has had a long awaited  upgrade of the forum software to vBulletin 4.1.11  and its looking pretty slick but don't take my word for it - go Visit the AUGI Forums Whilst this version of software has many new features, at this time, AUGI are only implementing the ones we already have active. Others will be implemented as they are tested and they become Board approved. I can tell you though, that there is a new mobile skin for the site that is implemented automatically if you browse to the website using a supported mobile device.  :) I hope your experience with this upgrade goes as smooth as possible, as mine did... Late last week, the March edition of AUGIWorld was released. This edition featured Tips, Tricks & Techniques including some great Jay Z's Revit Tips n' Tricks and Mark Kiker's Mac Apps

Wow, it certainly hasn't seemed like six fantastic years… but my time as an AUGI BoD is almost gone.  Without doubt, it has become a milestone event in my life and it has become extraordinarily clear to me is that there are so many committed and talented people doing wonderful work in their respective trades and industries and all for the benefit of the AUGI Community. I certainly plan to stay connected to AUGI in some ways and look forward to 2012 with excitement as I explore new opportunities and broaden my horizons… I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated staff and volunteers who are the backbone of this great organisation and the AUGI Board of Directors, both past and present, who have provided me with guidance and support during these last six years.

With so many things happening at this years'  Autodesk University , here a brief list of what is happening with  AUGI at AU. Monday, November 28 Autodesk's AU Leadership Forum AU Freshman Orientation AU2011 Bloggers & Media Reception Tuesday, November 29 AUGI Volunteers gathering AU2011 Welcome Address & General Keynote AUGI Forums Moderator's gathering Exhibit Hall Opens - International Community Reception AUGI Top Daug 2011 Challenge begins at the AUGI Booth Wednesday, November 30 Its  AUGI Day  today!!! Annual General Meeting AUGI Board of Directors' Elections voting opens AUGI Beer Bust Thursday, December 1 AUGI TweetUp  at the AUGI Booth AUGI Top Daug Final Presentation Be sure to catch up with all the info / photos at AU with AUGI's "HotNews Daily"

Its Nominations time again at AUGI.com… Certainly without any hesitation, serving on the AUGI Board, has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had the pleasure to do …  The last six years (3x 2-year terms) has been amazing… I've learnt lots, met some amazing peoples and thoroughly enjoyed myself and would highly recommend the experience for any individual AUGI Member wishing to become more involved…  Nominations are NOW open and this could be just the beginning of what could be the start of a fantastic, rewarding experience for any hardworking volunteer… AUGI members will be given yet another way to be involved with AUGI.  You can do this either by nominating someone for the Board of Directors or throwing your own hat into the ring for the next term. B eing an AU GI Director requires some work, effort and carries responsibility but it offers many rewards as well.  So how do I apply, you ask.  All the details, can be found on ...

The premier CAD event of the year is upon us... Registration has opened for Autodesk University 2011 for Autodesk Subscription customers, AUGI members and members of AU online.  Autodesk University is once again back at the stunning Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, from November 29 to December 1, 2011. AU 2011 is 3 full days packed with a plethora of learning tracks and networking, not to mention the exciting product showcase and of course the AUGI Community in the Exhibit Hall.    You can check out the details on the AU site and submit your registration here   I'll be there... Will you???

The current edition of AUGIWorld August 2011 - The Collaboration Issue has been released earlier today and yours truly has had the honour & privilege to provide the photo cover, taken during my trip to Canada & Alaska, earlier this year. Cover Image: Sinclair Centre Arcade,Vancouver, BC, Canada.  Photo copyright  © 2011–Bill Adams You can read the issue online or download a PDF version 

I'm just putting in some last minutes changes to documents in readiness for tomorrow's start to the 2011 BDA / James Hardie National Conference .  This year's conference features presentations from Lynn Allen , Autodesk Technical Evangelist (sponsored by IMAGINiT Technologies), Mark Kiker , AUGI Executive Director and UK Sustainable Architect and AUGI member, Elrond Burrell  and a plethora of other great presenters… See you in the Barossa Valley!!!

In keeping with tradition, I'm happy to present the 2011 Edition of the CWC Calendar… apologies to all who missed out - I could only use the avatars I had on file… thanks to all at #AU2010 who participate "wearing" the AUGI "spiky-hat" Jan 2011 Edit: You can viewed on the AUGI Forums - Coffee Without CAD

With so many things happening at this years' Autodesk University , here a brief list of what is happening with AUGI at AU. Monday, November 29 AUGI Leadership / Local Chapter President's meeting AUGI Board meeting AUGI Volunteer gathering Tuesday, November 30 Past President's gathering International Assembly Meeting AUGI Top Daug 2010 Challenge begins at the AUGI Booth Wednesday, December 1 Its AUGI Day today!!! Annual General Meeting AUGI Beer Bust Thursday, December 2 AUGI Writers & Volunteers breakfast AUGI TweetUp at the AUGI Booth AUGI Top Daug Finals AUGI Unplugged Be sure to catch up with all the info / photos at AU with AUGI's "HotNews Daily"

The latest Revit Architecture Wish List Ballot is opened on AUGI.com. AUGI have many wishes to review and vote for, and we appreciate you taking the time to help make Revit Architecture a better product for all. Vote for your top 10 wishes. Remember your number 1 vote is worth 10 votes, number 2 worth 9, etc.  Feel free to spread the word for fellow Revit users to become AUGI members and vote! Voting closes at 12:00am (GMT) on May 15th .

The Board of Directors is the governing body for AUGI. Board members are involved in long-range planning, vision casting, high-level management and, most importantly, positive member interactions. The Board is responsible for the overarching direction of the organization. Board members possess a passion for Autodesk products and services and they are committed to sharing knowledge amongst the AUGI membership. Just a few days remain to cast your votes for candidates running for open positions on the AUGI Board of Directors. Click here to become familiar with the candidates and vote. The ballot is a Ranked Ballot. Each person on the ballot can receive a yes or no vote. A maximum of eight (8) yes votes will be allowed per ballot. Each name is voted on individually. Those candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to the Board. Elected candidates will serve for a two-year period from January 2010 through December 2011. Voting closes on midnight CST December 16, 2009 , so pleas...

Well the sun is finally starting to shine in Las Vegas, this cold & chilling morning in Las Vegas. Autodesk University 2009 is all over but the AUGI Board of Directors are still open... It certainly was a hectic week, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. I'm still sorting out the tons of photos I took in readiness to post some here after getting back home. Hopefully I'll see you all again next year @ AU2010 :)

The ballot has recently been announced for the AUGI Board of Directors and you can come and meet the slate of candidates here . Voting for the 2009 AUGI Board of Directors annual elections will commence after the AUGI Annual General meeting on Wednesday Dec 2, 2009 at #AU2009