AIA Specifications in CAD

AIA Layers Specifications

• The AIA has specified a number of required layers and the sequence in all AIA certified architectural drawings. In AutoCAD software, each layer is assigned to a design function such as electrical, plumbing, interior design and mechanical. As each group of professional works on the given drawing, non-related layers are locked or turned off. Also, AIA specifies the colors of certain layers to make them more readable to users.

AIA Layer Names Specifications

• A typical set of architectural drawings may be over 20 different sheets or views based on function such as plumbing, electrical and mechanical. AIA standards specify a given name convention depending on the discipline letter followed by the sheet's number from 01 to 99 within a series 100 to 600. Examples of discipline letters are A for architectural, M for mechanical, P for plumbing and E for electrical. The series number represents the type of drawing such as 100 series would be for ceiling drawings, 200 series for elevations, 300 series for sections, 400 series for detailed sections, 500 series for details and 600 series for schedules and diagrams.

AIA Line Specifications

• AIA standards indicate the thickness (in millimeters) and colors. Any line used in a CAD drawing has guidelines under AIA drawings standards. For instance, lines used to make center lines, notes, thin lines, reference lines, dimension lines and text lines have codes under AIA.

AIA Drawing Scale Specification

• The AIA also offer guidelines acceptable scales to be used for entire drawings. The purpose of scaled drawings is to give a realistic representation of real, physical spaces that are much bigger than a drawing sheet. Scaled drawings at different metrics can also be used to show extreme detail. For example, typical metrics used are 1/8 of an inch to one foot often given as 1:100 or 1 to 100. A larger scale typically used may be ½ inch to one foot, which is given as 1:20.