Templates for Common AutoCAD projects. Copy the file to
the local hard-drive.
http://www.geology.iupui.edu/Academics/CLASSES/G303/Autocad/templates/
This project uses the Strat.dwg template.
A template has been created in AUTOCAD™ in which your basic outline and scale have already been created. Your first goal is to copy this file to your local machine and then open AUTOCAD™ or AUTOCAD LT™ from the start menu. Once the program has initialized, you will need to select OPEN from the file menu. In the OPEN DRAWING menu box you will need to select the file.
The program immediately alerts you with "CAN NOT WRITE TO THAT FILE AND CHANGES CAN NOT BE SAVED TO IT, DO YOU WISH
TO CONTINUE?".
You will need to click "yes" and follow the next step carefully!
The template is now open; however, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY SAVE THE FILE UNDER A NEW NAME OR YOUR WORK WILL BE LOST WHEN YOU QUIT!!! Do this by opening the file menu and selecting SAVE AS. Use your name as the file name so that there will be no confusion! Remember all student files should be stored in the C:\My Documents directory of each computer. Do not use G303 or MAPS, etc. as you are not the only person in this class.
Setup is now complete, you're ready to enter your information into the template.
Step one: Type or select the OFFSET command. The computer will prompt you for the distance you wish to offset the line, this will be the thickness of your basal unit in meters. Type in this value and press [ENTER]. The computer now prompts you to select the object you wish to offset. Select the blue line at the bottom of the column with the mouse. Finally the computer will prompt you for the direction you wish to offset that line. Select any point above the blue line. Now press [ENTER] to end the command. Continue to offset each line that you have just created using the thickness of your next unit.
SAVE YOUR WORK!!!
Step two: You must now draw your weathered profile, prepare a simple sketch on paper before you begin, and this will go much faster. Type or select the PLINE command, then draw your line continuously from bottom to top. Now press [ENTER] to end the command. It is important that this line completely closes each unit, or touches each blue line at the bottom and top. Make sure ORTHO is off when you are drawing this line, type ORTHO then Off. ORTHO will make your line apear like stair-steps. To delete a line select it and press the delete key.
 Ortho OFF |
 Ortho ON |
SAVE YOUR WORK!!!
Step three: You may wish to create a legend in the space provided at the bottom of your template. Type of select the RECTANG command to draw a box. You may draw several or try the COPY command to place the required number of boxes in your legend. One for each rock type in you column. Turning ORTHO ON may be useful here.
SAVE YOUR WORK!!!
Step four: Select the HATCH command from the Draw menu in the top tool bar. The Boundary Hatch selection box will appear. You must first select the pattern to represent your rock type. You will have to select a scale for each pattern that looks good on you drawing. Now select the PICK POINT button, the box will disappear and return you to the drawing, select a point within each of the units that you wish to have this pattern and also the appropriate legend box. Wait for the computer to analyze the selected area between each selection, it will apear dashed. If the computer returns the message boundary is not closed", press [ESC] to cancel and close you boundary making shure that all lines touch or cross, if you have trouble doing this ask for help. After selecting each unit to be filled press [ENTER], the Boundary Hatch selection box will reappear, press the PREVIEW HATCH button. After the hatch is completely drawn press the CONTINUE button. The Boundary Hatch selection box will once again return, If you need to change the scale of the hatch, larger numbers make the hatch large. PREVIEW HATCH buttons again, continue until you are satisfied with the hatch appearance, then press the APPLY button. Repeat step five for each rock type you need. Note: You will need to embellish the default hatches to match your required litho types. Do this at the end, using the drawing tools and copy command.
SAVE YOUR WORK!!!
Step five: Type or select the DTEXT command, the computer will then prompt you for a starting point. Click on the screen were you want to begin typing, this is the lower left hand corner of your first line of text. Watch both how the text appears on the drawing and at the bottom of the screen in the command lines for a close up. You must press return after each line of text as you wish it to appear in the drawing. To end the text input just press return without entering a line of text, that is after entering your last line of text press return twice. If you do this correctly the computer will display the command prompt at the bottom of the screen. Repeat this for all of your text. You may also use the PTEXT command, ask the program for help.
SAVE YOUR WORK!!!
Step six: Under the File menu press Print/Plot. The Plot Configuration box will appear. All of the variable on this page should appear as below, if you receive an odd printout, ask for help. Press OK then watch the screen you will need to press [ENTER] again when prompted. Now wait, the computer will sort your data and send a copy to the laser printer. Remember to SAVE YOUR WORK!!!
Other Helpful Things to Remember:
Press [F1] at anytime to get help on the action you are performing.
Pressing the [Esc] key will cancel you current action.
The ERASE command or [Delete] key will delete any selected object on the screen, including portions of the template so be careful.
The UNDO command will undo each action in the reverse order that you performed them.
The ZOOM command can be very useful, Press ZOOM then [E] to return to the full drawing extents.
The PEDIT command can close the boxes for you, it can also change the width of the lines, smooth lines, and many other useful editing tools. Try to ask the computer for help
The TRIM and EXTEND commands can be very useful try to ask the computer for help.
Don't make fun of my spelling if you expect help from me later!!!
Try e-mailing me your questions at bhall@iupui.edu