autocad

[Mike Money]

I may be interested in getting into surveying and all that fun stuff...


a bit of math, drafting, etc...

anyone have experience in this? i wanna find out what I would really be getting into before shelling out for the classes.

 

[Tony G]

I work in AutCAD, ProEngineer, and Inventor. It can be a fun career to work in and the demand for skilled CAD users will always be high. Decent pay as well.

 

[KeithBMI]

I took a CAD class last year and I'm working with Inventor this year.

It's only high school though, so I probably won't be any help.

 

[Selta]

Did CADD, Pro-E and CATIA through high school and my engineering days at college. It was boring for the most part for me. But, I (later) found myself bored with engineering in general, so I may be bias.

 

[Phantopeth]

My father owns a small land surveying operation in Maine, that I have worked for on and off for several years. Being skilled in CAD can be a great asset, that can be applicable to a lot more fields that just surveying. Plus, if you like being outdoors doors, being a field technician can be an enjoyable experience. Truth be told, sometimes it's a rough job, but sometimes you forget it's work I can remember many warm, sunny summer days that I spent locating property on the coast with a cool sea breeze cooling me down, thinking "I'm getting payed for this?!" Of course, results will vary depending on your location

But as far as "what you're getting into," there's certainly a lot of math involved; mostly trigonometry. However, the vast majority of it is all calculated for you by your computer, hand-held data collectors, etc. I imagine that you'll also learn a lot of about real estate law, and zoning/property regulations.

Also, keep in mind that surveying is an industry that will always be needed. My father hasn't had the slightest problem filling his schedule since the depression in the late 80's. Even with several "rival" firms located within the same town, he's busy year round.

If you have any specific questions, let me know

 

[jady]

Get a trial of autocad 2007 and PM me

I used a few different CAD systems every day, they are pretty fun. Take a intro to AutoCAD course at the local JC, if you like it, shell out the dough for more pro classes, or just buy a book and go through it, that and the tutorials on 2007 are pretty good too.

 

[canopener]

Mike, you also might be interested in GIS (geographic information system) stuff. GIS is huge out west, and is less math intensive. If you couple a good GIS program with a few CAD or surveying courses, you'll be set.

Here's an overview with some good links inside.

 

[Bryan316]

I design industrial loading systems for heat treat furnaces, all in AutoCAD. I've designed my bass guitar project completely in 3D, even to the springs on the bridge saddles.

CAD is fun stuff if you've got lots of creativity. There's no limit to the things you can create.

 

[tr68gt]

I'm a cartographer with a survey and mapping company in South Florida. I also teach AutoCAD on the weekends at the local college. I think surveying is kinda fun, even though I don't get to work in the field very much. There are a lot of aspects that are specific to the profession. Basic knowledge of drafting and geometry as it applies is very helpful, even to the guys working in the field.

Feel free to PM if you have specific questions.