[cad-linux] Re: CAD with server/client architecture
- From: "Jeffrey McGrew" <JMcGrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <cad-linux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 09:07:48 -0700
> Tom,
> So we have a CAD app that acts as a front-end to a database?=20
> I like that
> idea. I think I was trying to seperate the logical parts of a=20
> CAD app a
> little too much.
This is a wonderful idea. We are currently using a CAD tool that
runs on top of a relational database; and the advantages to this
are many and profound; esp. when it comes to any task that is more
information management than 'drawing', like coordinating your drawing
set or complex construction phasing. While this tool is primarily
focused on the AEC Construction Market, and is still rather young,
I know that there are plans to allow for there to be a front end to
it's database to allow for analysis and such. You might want to
take a look at this software if you have a Windows machine around,
for it has a free demo you can download from the web. It's called
AutoDesk Revit.
An object-based system running over the top of a relational database
is such an improvement over older, vector/layer centered approaches
that you really should look at it if you're planning a new CAD system.
While Revit's database is closed, and only runs within Revit's guts,
which is a shame, if you were able to have that database either run
as an 'orphan' within your CAD software (as is Revit's database), and
as a connection to a GPL-based database, the possibilities for data
management become profound. Since these days CAD is as much about
data management, design review, and analysis as it is about 'drawing'.=20
Jeffrey
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