Alternate Units

[cknox]

I have the need to show both Imperial and Metic units for drafting i do on international projects. Is there any way of accomplishing this. As of now I am forced to dimension in Imperial and then edit that dimension adding the metric value below.

[patricks]

It is not possible natively. I know it sucks because our firm is about to do our first international project, and I'm not looking forward to the metric stuff.

[MikeJarosz]

Metric is easy, especially if you do not try to convert standard imperial sizes into their metric equivalent. Just as we have standard sizes in imperial, they have their own standard, and they are not far off from US conventions. A typical recessed fluorecent in the US might be a 2x2. The metric standard size is 600x600. The US to metric conversion would be 609x609. You would have to be crazy to use 609x609.

One good rule in metric is to use factors of 9: a column span might be 9 meters (about 30 ft) 300 and 600 mms are useful dimensions.

Even the scales are similar 1:50 (US 1:48 ) 1:100 (US 1:96). I have a scale that measures feet on one edge and meters on the other.

Oh, and millwork! Isn't 4 easier to work with than 0' 0 1/8"? In your head divide 1800 mm by 3. Divide the US equivalent (70.86593") by 3. And that only gives you a decimal. What if your tolernce in millwork is 1/16"? Now you have to convert 70.86593 to the nearest 16th!

The point is, metric units follow the rules of decimal arithmetic. Imperial units do not.

[patricks]

well yeah but the OP wants both types to show up on dimensions. ;)

And yeah we have 1:50 and 1:100 ratios in Civil work for pipe and sidewalk slopes - 2% slope, 1% slope, etc. The ADA 1991 standards used to call for a max slope of 2% or 1:50 around accessible landings and parking areas. Well now that has changed in the 2010 standards to 1:48 which is the same as 1/4" per foot, which is a bit more lax than the old 1:50 requirement.

[MikeJarosz]

I've alway used the ramp rule "1 foot of run for every inch of rise." An 18" rise requires 18' of run. (plus landing)