AllyCAD: Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Design Software Newsletter: 12 July 2006

The next phase of AllyCAD's incorporation into schools is under way in the Western Cape. At the orientation workshops recently held across all seven EMDC's, teachers and educational heads were introduced to the newly created AllyCAD E-Learning Centre for educational support.

The site boasts interactive E-Learning tools including eleven theoretical modules which have been developed in association with the Department of Education and in accordance with the Engineering Graphics & Design and Civil Technology Curriculums for FET's.

Other features include an online learner and educator forum which allows the FET community to interact with each other and also connect to the broader AllyCAD professional community. We are also in the process of launching the AllyCAD Learner News and Educator Newswire so that everyone is kept abreast of industry developments affecting education.

The AllyCAD E-Learning Centre will provide the kind of support and resources necessary to make the AllyCAD learning process a fun and productive experience for all. This initiative will be developed further over the next few weeks based on the feedback received from various educators in the industry.

DWG/DXF CONVERSION SETTINGS

Sometimes we need to share information with other users and CAD systems using the DWG or DXF Formats. In AllyCAD you can change the settings for importing from and exporting to these systems by customizing the settings in order to create a more uniform approach.

To do this, select Settings > DXF/DWG Conversions and set all required fonts for importing and exporting DWG and DXF drawings. You can add to this dialog at any time. Select 'From DXF/DWG' if you are bringing in a DXF or DWG and want to correctly map the fonts to a compatible AllyCAD Font. Alternatively, select 'To DXF/DWG' if you are going to save a DXF or DWG and want to correctly map the fonts from AllyCAD to AutoCAD.

The most common problem with data transfer to or from DXF and DWG formats is the text not converting correctly. This is in part due to the fact that each system use their own font shape and style settings. Set all 'From DXF/DWG' font settings to a font that would look similar to the clients hard or paper copy, and all 'To DXF/DWG' settings to a font that your client has requested or informed you that he uses. Select the target DXF/DWG version by clicking on the radio button alongside the version.

Support Contracts are charged at 13% of the product purchase price and guarantee cutting edge software functionality, the availability of our Support Centre and the provision of a free marketing and publicity service where your project success stories are showcased in top trade journals. Support agreements therefore give you more choice and best of all, you will have immediate access to our upcoming AllyCAD 3.5 version with the latest functionality.

Training is often regarded as the cornerstone to achieving optimal results and enhanced productivity. The value of good quality training cannot be emphasized enough.

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

If you are interested in training, please contact your regional office to make your booking as the courses are extremely popular.

REGIONS	CONTACT DETAILS
Western Cape, East Cape, Namibia & International	Cape Town (Head Office)	Shantell Tel: (021) 701 1850
Kwazulu Natal, Free State, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mpumalanga & Zimbabwe	Durban Office	Nalini Tel: (031) 566 3323
Gauteng, Limpopo, North West Province & Botswana	Johannesburg Office	Barbara Tel: (011) 675 3959

Our Customer Consultants will be involved in the following visits and training activities over the next couple of weeks. Please feel free to give us a call on (021) 701-1850. We would be happy to meet up with you to discuss your training or product needs.

REGIONS	DATES	ACTIVITIES	PERSONS
Mount Ayliff	10 - 13 Jul	Civil Designer In-House training for Alfred Nzo Municipality	Solly
Kimberley/ Bloemfontein	10 - 14 Jul	AllyCAD and Civil Designer client visits	David
Johannesburg	10 - 14 Jul	AllyCAD and Civil Designer client visits	Charles
Bloemfontein	12 - 14 Jul	Civil Designer In-House training for MPS	Cameron
Johannesburg	17 - 24 Jul	Civil Designer: Design Centre, Survey, Terrain, Road, Water, Sewer and Stormwater training	Cameron
Bloemfontein	24 - 28 Jul	Civil Designer: Design Centre, Survey, Terrain, Road, Water, Sewer and Stormwater training	Solly
Durban	24 - 28 Jul	Civil Designer: Design Centre, Survey, Terrain, Road & Water	David
Johannesburg	24 - 27 Jul	AllyCAD and Civil Designer client visits	Charles
East London	31 Jul - 3 Aug	AllyCAD training	Solly
Port Elizabeth	1 - 3 Aug	AllyCAD and Civil Designer client visits	Reece
Durban	31 Jul - 4 Aug	Civil Designer In-House training for Ethekweni Municipality	Cedric
Polokwane	31 Jul - 4 Aug	Civil Designer In-House training for Nhlengani Consulting	Cameron

Book now! - there are still places available on these courses.