AutoCAD is widely used in the architectural field. Courses explain how to sketch the outline of a structure and how to use the AutoCAD tools to add building areas such as walls, rooms, staircases, elevators, sinks and showers. The AutoCAD technician adds additional features such as lawn space, fountains, parking lots and other areas of the property.
Architectural AutoCAD training programs include general information on construction. The students learn about building codes, such as what features are necessary to resist damage from earthquakes and where to locate doors and fire escapes to meet local regulations. AutoCAD technicians learn how to look up codes such as maximum building height, the allowed number of buildings on a property and requirements for disabled access.
Technicians learn about math in AutoCAD training. Construction projects require calculations in three dimensions, so the student learns how to create three dimensional models. Training includes geometry and algebra based methods to calculate volume and area of buildings. Isometric projection is learned by students, this is a method of drawing a two dimensional image of a three-dimensional structure, which is useful when printing out designs. Parametric drawing allows blueprints to be more easily modified by defining parameters such as the diameter of a circle and using this information to create a drawing.
Technicians take tours of buildings with their classes in the Frederick Community College program. Many buildings are constructed with the assistance of AutoCAD designers, so students can view AutoCAD draft documents from existing buildings. Students measure the dimensions of buildings and create sample blueprints from their measurements.
Surveying is covered in AutoCAD technician training. Land surveyors record information about property lots, including geographic features of an area such as rivers and lakes and the boundaries of a plot of land. Civil design technicians learn to use AutoCAD to design structures such as storm drains and water reservoirs. AutoCAD allows free form drawing, so canyons, hills, valleys and other natural features that aren't easily defined as simple shapes like circles or rectangles can be added to a document.