2D As-built AutoCAD Plans vs Blueprints? What’s the Difference?

28 May 21

2D As-built AutoCAD Plans vs Blueprints? What’s the Difference?

Infrastructure has grown significantly in recent years due to urbanization and economic growth, all around the world. Because of the complexity of building standards, engineers, builders, contractors, and architects have shifted from the traditional way of planning and designing to an automated approach like AutoCAD for precision.

However, even with the existence of high technology, there are still some who uses blueprints when doing measured building survey, construction planning, and design because it is still accessible and not many are aware of the advantageous points of 3D laser scanning.

But, professionals who do know about 3D laser scanning services and the power of measured building surveys in the construction and design industry do not encourage the use of this method anymore because, in most cases, details on the blueprint do not match what was actually built.

Some want to stick to the traditional way because it is inexpensive, while others prefer the accuracy of 2D as-built AutoCAD plans. So what’s the difference between the two?

  • Blueprints Explained

Citizen Times

A blueprint is an original plan designed by the architect and
engineer of a project as a guide for the duration of the construction. This old fashioned way is done on translucent paper against a dark blue background where all construction specifics and what needs to be done on any building or construction project are laid out.

A construction blueprint has 6 main sections:

  1. Site plans and title sheets
  2. Elevations and sections
  3. Structural drawings
  4. Floor plans
  5. Details and schedules
  6. MEP drawings or Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing

Symbols, building codes, specifications, and requirements for obtaining a building permit are also included on the blueprint for the parties involved to better understand the installation methods, plumbing and electrical workings of the building, and other components for accomplishing the construction of the building.

Blueprints include different drawings, all used at specific stages during the construction process: architectural, mechanical, and structural.

Architectural drawings refer to the internal and external appearance of the building. Site plan, floor plans, reflected ceiling plan, detail drawings, elevations, and sections all fall under architectural drawings.

Mechanical drawings show every mechanical function in the building from air quality (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and exhaust), piping, communications and electronics, chilled and heating water systems, and infection control.

On the other hand, structural drawings contain details on how the building will be given its structure and how it will be framed. In other words, this part shows how a building should look and drawings are done per floor.

  • What are 2D as-built AutoCAD plans?

2D as-built AutoCAD plans refer to the set of drawings submitted by the contractor upon project completion. These drawings reflect revisions made to the specifications and design during the construction process.

These as-built plans are also used for reference or comparison over the original plan or blueprint.

2D as-built AutoCAD plans or drawings also contain vital information about the existing condition or state of a building including the elevation, geometry, dimension, location, and other elements critical for the management, maintenance, and future repairs or renovations.

While blueprints are done manually, as-built 2D drawings are generated through 3D laser scanning technology which means advanced data are highly accurate.

Today, the creation of as built AutoCAD 2D drawings is considered a critical part of any building or construction project.

Having a digital copy of all that has been done on a structure – from modifications, approvals, and all the extra works will aid in a faster and efficient management of the property as well as future improvements or problems.

  • What’s the difference between the two?

Blueprints represent the original design and condition of a building while as-built 2D drawings are created to log changes in the construction as soon as they occur.

Blueprints detail how the project should be built and how it should look while AutoCAD 2D drawings reflect the updated and modified framework of a building, in a more accurate and detailed manner.

Blueprints and as-built 2D drawings are both relevant parts of any construction project which offers numerous benefits.

If you would like to learn more about 3D laser scanning, measured building survey, or looking for help relating to 3D laser scanning services, Leicester Measured Survey can provide you with the most updated Leicester laser scanning technology.

Find out how our team of experts can assist you with your existing projects or have your as-built 2D drawings or AutoCAD 2D drawings produced with the required level of detail and format. Regardless of your project size, do not hesitate to get a quotation for the best 3D laser scanning company in Leicester.

From scan-to-CAD, Leicester Measured Survey will deliver.