SCADEC, a Japanese practical approach to CAD data exchange in construction field
T. Terai
Chiba Institute of Technology, Chiba, Japan
Abstract:
This paper deals with a Japanese national R&D project called SCADEC whose primary objective is to develop a neutral CAD data exchange format based on STEP AP202 applied to MOC, the Ministry of Construction, construction projects in conjunction with construction CALS/EC commission. The first half of the paper describes MOC's strategy for CALS/EC establishment in the Japanese construction industry and the outline of the project. The second half shows major intermediate activity results in relation to the structure of the data exchange system to be required. Those explained are a basic standard of CAD drawing practice, a common API library for efficient data processing with a SCADEC specific featuring concept, a series of features devised to skip STEP expertise at the development of an individual data exchange translator from a CAD system to STEP system and vice versa, and conformance test system. Validity of the SCADEC data exchange system and STEP/AP202 are also discussed.