Software

[monkeyhanger]

Could anybody recommend software to create or alter fire zone drawings,
and does anything exist whereas I could scan old A3 drawings and be able to alter them in the software?
This isn't completely necessary however it would save a lot of time.

I see that autoCAD has been recommended here before however for the amount of times I would use it the price tag is completely unaffordable.

Thanks

 

[tazz]

The only way to alter drawings, is to have the original in AutoCad, or using the software it was created in. Any scanned file would still be uneditable, even in Cad. The best way to complete zone charts, is then to export the cad drawing into a draw package, like Coral. This gives better colours display and transparent blocks, allowing the drawing to show details from the cad drawing.
Only Autocad Lt is required for building layouts, at around £800...but nothing to stop you buy older versions say 2006 and using file converter for newer drawings you maybe sent.

 

[monkeyhanger]

Thanks tazz

I had an idea a scanned file would be uneditable, that seemed it would make life too easy!

 

[tazz]

Look for a cheap older version say 2006 on ebay or even second hand, it will do the job, and will help tender for jobs, as fitting drawings, zone chart....everything really you need in commercial work

 

[amlu]

with a scanned paper you will end up with a graphic format.
not autocad file so that wont work.
.png or tiff or whatever you using.
can edit those files in gimp (free)
or import them into some vector drawing program (corel or inkscape)