Understanding Lot Bearings in AutoCAD 2018
Lot bearings are essential in surveying and land boundary definitions. They are expressed in angles and directions, and plotting them accurately in AutoCAD enhances precision in mapping and design tasks. Here’s a detailed guide on how to plot lot bearings effectively in AutoCAD 2018.
Steps to Plot Lot Bearings in AutoCAD 2018
Step 1: Access the COGO Tool
Begin by opening AutoCAD 2018. Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon. Locate the Draw panel, then click on the COGO drop-down menu. Select COGO Input to open the input dialog.
Step 2: Choose the Bearing Function
Within the COGO Input dialog, you will find various options. Select the Bearing/Distance routine, which allows you to enter specific bearings related to your lot.
Step 3: Specify the Starting Point
Select a starting point in your drawing. This will serve as your reference for plotting the bearing. You can specify this point by clicking directly on the drawing area or by entering coordinates.
Step 4: Enter Quadrant and Angle
Indicate the quadrant for your bearing—these are typically Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), or Northwest (NW). Following this, input the angle of the bearing you wish to plot. This angle is measured from the north or south line, depending on the quadrant selected.
Step 5: Input the Distance
After entering the angle, specify the distance you want to plot from the starting point. This is critical for accurately placing your bearings on the map.
Step 6: Calculate the Point
Once you have input all the necessary information, click the Calculate button. This will generate the coordinates based on the inputted angle and distance.
Step 7: Create the Point on the Drawing
After calculating, opt for the Create Point button to place the point on your AutoCAD drawing. This point represents the location determined by your bearing.
Manual Plotting of Bearings
While utilizing AutoCAD’s COGO features is effective, you can also plot bearings manually. This involves using tools like protractors or straightedges to derive angles and distances visually. It can be beneficial when working without digital tools.
Plotting Coordinates in AutoCAD
To plot bearings, understanding coordinates is fundamental. Coordinates consist of x (horizontal) and y (vertical) values. The x-axis indicates how far right or left to move, while the y-axis indicates up or down. Entering these values accurately ensures precise plotting in your drawings.
Using Northings and Eastings for Plotting
For advanced geographic plotting, one may opt to use Northings and Eastings, which reference grid coordinates on maps. To do this, choose the **Draw** panel on the **Home** tab, select the **Line** drop-down, and then choose **Create Line By Northing/Easting**. Input the necessary values to create accurate lines based on geographic data.
FAQs about Plotting Bearings in AutoCAD 2018
What are bearings and why are they important in AutoCAD?
Bearings are measurements used to describe direction in surveying and mapping. They are crucial for accurately defining property boundaries, aligning designs, and ensuring spatial data is represented correctly.
Can I plot bearings manually without using the COGO tool?
Yes, you can plot bearings manually by drawing lines at specified angles using tools like a protractor or compass. However, using the COGO tool offers enhanced accuracy and efficiency.
How do I find the coordinates for my bearings?
You can find coordinates through manual calculation based on the angle and distance from your starting point or by using AutoCAD commands that allow for direct entry of coordinates based on your desired locations.
