SJC – AUTOCAD STANDARD
January 2015
1.0
INTRODUCTION
2.0
PROJECT SUBMITTALS REQUIREMENTS
3.0
DESCRIPTION OF MODEL FILES AND SHEET FILES
4.0
DRAWING NAMING CONVENTION
5.0
EXTERNAL REFERENCE (X-REF) FILES
6.0
LAYER NAMING CONVENTION
7.0
SHEET ORGANIZATION
8.0
APPEARANCE AND PRESENTATION
9.0
SYMBOLS
Note: the following appendices are separate files
APPENDIX - 1
DISCIPLINE DESIGNATORS
APPENDIX - 2
MODEL FILE TYPE DESIGNATORS
APPENDIX - 3
SHEET FILE TYPE DESIGNATORS
APPENDIX - 4
SJC LEVEL/LAYER TABLE
APPENDIX - 5
AIA LEVEL/LAYER TABLE
SJC – AUTOCAD STANDARD
1.0
INTRODUCTION
This technical document establishes the data standard for Computer Aided Design and Drafting
(CADD) submittals to SJC. This standard is necessary to ensure efficient data transfer between
SJC and its consultants, contractors, and local, state, and federal government agencies
including the FAA and TSA. The SJC AutoCAD Standards are critical to supporting the airport’s
infrastructure throughout its lifecycle beginning with planning, design and construction, and
extending through operations and maintenance, until eventual refurbishment or demolition and
remediation of the site. The SJC AutoCAD Standard was developed using the U.S. National
CADD Standard (NCS), 2nd Edition, Version 2.0, as a starting guideline and has been modified
to best suit the needs of the airport.
It is important to note that SJC uses AutoDesk® AutoCAD as it’s primary CADD tool and prefer
that all work be completed using this tool.
If you have any questions regarding the AutoCAD Standard, please call:
Lysée Moyaert, GIS/CADD Manager
Steve Dahl, CADD Lead
408-392-1137
408-392-1142
lmoyaert@sjc.org
sdahl@sjc.org
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2.0
PROJECT SUBMITTALS REQUIREMENTS
Throughout the entire process, SJC requires periodic submittals (see typical submittal schedule
below). The Architectural Signage & Mapping (ASM) Group will be reviewing all CAD files to
ensure that they are in conformance with the SJC AutoCAD Standard. A heavy emphasis will
be on:

Completeness and Cleanliness of Submittal

File and Layer naming conventions

File and Folder organization

No lost data, symbols, or reference files

All submittal should be provided on CD or DVD. Please clearly label the disk indicating
the submittal status (30%, Issued for Bid, Record, etc.).
All submittals should be well organized and purged of any unnecessary files. Please make sure
that all files open correctly and do not loose its reference files. Keep the folder structure clean,
simple and easy to navigate. Please note that the SJC Project Manager may ask for additional
submittals.
Typical Submittal Schedule
Interval
Deliverable
Start of Project
Statement of intent to use SJC AutoCAD Standard
30% Design
Seamless CAD Files
100% Design (Bid Set)
Full CAD Submittal (described below)
Record Drawings
Full CAD Submittal (described below)
Typical Full CADD Submittal
Qty
Deliverable
1
Modified Project CAD Standard in PDF (if applicable)
1
Seamless Digital CAD Files
1
Zipped Digital CAD Files
1
Plot Ready PDF plan-set
2
Full size hardcopies of plan-set
2
Half size hardcopies of plan-set
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Project CAD Standard
All changes must be documented if any modifications were made to the SJC CAD Standards.
Purpose: It is important to have a clear understanding of how Project CAD files are organized.
Seamless CAD Files
This is also referred to as your “Base Files”.
Purpose: This file will be used to update the SJC’s base CAD files. This should be your working
files. If everything is one file… that is fine. If it is broken up by discipline (ex: civil, survey,
storm, sanitary, etc.) that is fine too. Files should be broken out by floor when applicable.
Zipped CAD Sheets
There should be one “self-contained zipped file” for each page in the plan-set. The file name
should be the same as the sheet number.
Purpose: If someone needs that exact page in CAD… SJC will have it and will not have to try to
rebuild it. The zipped file should have all required files that are needed to print that page. The
file should have the same name as the sheet number. And the file should clearly state the
status of the drawing (example: Record Drawing, As-Built, 30% design, etc.).
Plot Ready PDF Plan-set
There should be one PDF per sheet. The file name should reflect the sequence order and sheet
number (example: 01-G001, 02-G002, 03-C212, etc.) Drawing Status and appropriate
signatures should be included on each page. The PDF should match the hard copy plan-set
exactly.
Purpose: SJC loads each page and adds searchable attributes into the airport’s electronic
drawing library for future research.
Hard copies with the appropriate signatures
SJC requires that 2-full size hard copy and 2-half size hard copy sets are provided. All hard
copies should have the appropriate signatures and clearly indicate the status of the drawing
(example: Record Drawing, As-Built, 30% design, etc.).
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3.0
DESCRIPTION OF MODEL FILES AND SHEET FILES
Model files (Model Tab)
The “Model” or map window is where the design work takes place. All model files must use the
Airport’s Coordinate System (Airport Grid). This means that all designs will be located in the
correct location and will be drawn to scale. When designing buildings, each floor should be in
its own file and should be in the correct location.
Please note that SJC staff will focus on the model during the quality assurance process. Model
files is used to update the airport’s CAD base map files. As such, the model files will always be
the most important part of the submittal process.
Sheet files (layout Tab)
The “Sheet” or layout window is where the printed page layout occurs. A portion of the model
file is typically presented into a sheet to display specific project information.
Sheet files should be composed of one file per drawing sheet. Each file should be named the
same as the sheet page. The drawing sheet shall consist of a border, and text or detail that are
required.
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4.0
DRAWING NAMING CONVENTION
The drawing naming convention has four mandatory fields which must be used and in the
correct sequence.
Project Code
The first field is used for a 0 to 20-digit Project Code. The project code can be numeric or
character based. The project code will be provided by the SJC Project Manager for each
project.
Discipline Designator
The next character field represents the Discipline Designator. The Discipline Designator is
always preceded and followed by a hyphen “-”. The allowable characters are listed in (Appendix
1).
Drawing Type
The next two-character field represents the drawing type. The two-character model file code
indicates the type of map (i.e. floor plan, airfield plan, grading plan, etc.). The allowable
characters are listed in (Appendix 2).
User Definable
The final four-character field is user-definable. Please insert an “X” if you chose not to use all
four characters
Example Model Names
T055301-A-FPTBL1.DGN
ROD_PKG01-C-GP0001.DGN
TAXI_W_01-C-AF0001.DGN
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5.0
EXTERNAL REFERENCE (X-REF) FILES
There shall be no specific drive references associated with the x-ref files. All references are to
be relative paths only (no drive letter referencing).
SJC understands that external references to other CAD files may be used to subdivide a large
CAD drawing into several smaller, more efficient drawings. The use of this procedure will reduce
drawing size, increase performance, improve operator efficiency and make coordination of
disciplines easier. Reference files may also be used to split a drawing by disciplines.
Please be very mindful when setting up your file structure. SJC should not have to rebuild your
file structure.
6.0
LAYER NAMING CONVENTION
Similar to drawing naming conventions, the layer name format is organized as a hierarchy.
Layer names consist of distinct data fields separated from one another by dashes. The
levels/layers defined within these standards are based on the recommendations set forth in
“American Institute of Architects CAD Layer Guidelines” (AIA 2001).

A complete list of SJC’s levels can be found in (Appendix 4).

A complete list of the AIA level/layer name can be found in (Appendix 5).

If additional Level / Layer names are required, please follow the format described below.
Discipline
Typical a 1-character field used to identify the primary discipline of the feature (see table 1).
(Example: C-BLDG-OTLN-E)
C = Civil discipline
Major Group
This is a 4-character field and should indicate the primary identifier of the feature.
(Example: C-TAXI-CNTR-E)
TAXI = Taxiway is the primary identifier of the feature
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Minor Group
This is a 4-character field and should indicate the detail of the feature.
(Example: A-WALL-CNTR-E)
CNTR = Centerline is the detail identifier of the wall feature
In some cases it is helpful to have a second minor group.
(Example: A-WALL-FULL-INTR-E)
FULL-INTR = Full size interior is the detail identifier of the wall feature
Status
This is a 1-character field that indicates if the status of the feature.
N = New Work (Example: C-ROAD-CNTR-N);
The “N” status field should be applied to all layers displaying new map elements.
E = Existing (Example: C-ROAD-CNTR-E);
SJC will provide the Master CADD Files. Most layers in these files will be associated with
the ”E” status field. It is suggested that the existing elements be displayed in one distinct
color. The preferred color is gray.
R = Removed (Example: C-ROAD-CNTR-R);
The ”R” status field should be applied to all layers displaying removed map elements. It
is suggested that removed elements use one distinct line type.
(Example: AutoCAD = dashed)
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7.0
SHEET ORGANIZATION
Sheet Size
Except for special situations (record of survey maps, etc.) where the size of the drawing is
controlled by other agencies, all project drawings shall be 24” x 34” (ANSI D-size). Other sheet
sizes may be used upon approval by the SJC Project Manager. The sheet medium shall be 0.4
mm thick and double matted erasable.
Designation
Sheet Size (in.)
ANSI A
8.5 X 11.0
ANSI B
11.0 X 17.0
ANSI D
22.0 X 34.0
ANSI E
34.0 X 44.0
* E size drawings must be approved by SJC Project Manager
Cover Sheet and Title Block
SJC’s standard cover sheet and title block are shown below. Project title shall be placed
horizontally with all vertical lettering. The drawing title shall be aligned and lettered as indicated
on the approved cover sheet and title block.

Line 1 shall be as follows: letter height (0.140 inches)
Example: PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF (ROADS AND AIRPORT PROJECTS)
Example: PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF (STRUCTURES)

Line 2 and 3 shall be as follows:
Example: RUNWAY 12R (letter height 0.290)
Example: TAXIWAY A TO TAXIWAY B (letter height 0.200 inches)

Line 4 shall be as follows: letter height (0.200 inches)
Example: PLAN AND PROFILE – STA 10+00 TO STA 25+50
Example: STRUCTURAL DETAIL
The sheet number for multi-sheet drawings shall be located in the title block.
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Standard Cover Sheet
Standard Title Block
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North Arrow
It is recommended that the project North Arrow symbol shall be placed in the upper left hand
corner of plan sheets whenever possible.
Drawing Scale
A numerical scale ratio used on each plan, elevation, section, detail, etc., for each drawing shall
be shown directly below the respective title on all sheets. Every scale used on the same
drawing shall also include a graphical scale bar. All graphical scale bars shall be placed in the
lower right hand corner of the drawing above the title block.
Dimensioning
Dimension styles for both architectural and site plan drawing are created at various scales. The
dimension style library should be displayed so they can be identified for use. Although
“Building” and “Site” names are used, the criteria are still valid to be used for other disciplines.
Dimension arrows shall be small. Dimension figures shall be lettered parallel to and above the
dimension line and arranged to read from the bottom border or right hand border. Repetition of
dimensions within a single sheet shall be avoided. Dimensions of lines crossing match-lines
shall be repeated on the matching sheet so each will be complete.
DESCRIPTION
SCALE
DESCRIPTION
SCALE
BUILDING – 12
1"=1'-0"
SITE – 10
1'=10'-0"
BUILDING – 128
3/32"=1'-0"
SITE – 100
1'=100'-0"
BUILDING – 16
3/4"=1'-0"
SITE – 20
1'=20'-0"
BUILDING – 192
1/16"=1'-0"
SITE – 200
1'=200'-0"
BUILDING – 24
1/2"=1'-0"
SITE – 25
1'=25'-0"
BUILDING – 32
3/8"=1'-0"
SITE – 30
1'=30'-0"
BUILDING – 384
1/32"=1'-0"
SITE – 300
1'=300'-0"
BUILDING – 4
3"=1'-0"
SITE – 40
1'=40'-0"
BUILDING – 48
1'4"=1'-0"
SITE – 400
1'=400'-0"
BUILDING – 64
3/16"=1'-0"
SITE – 50
1'=400'-0"
BUILDING – 8
1 1/2"=1'-0"
SITE – 60
1'=60'-0"
BUILDING – 96
1/8"=1'-0"
SITE – FULL
1'=1'-0"
BUILDING – FULL
1"=1"
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8.0
APPEARANCE AND PRESENTATION
Line Color
The primary reason to use color in CAD drawings is to improve the clarity of the drawing on a
computer monitor. The variety of colors available in a CADD application depends on the
capabilities of the computer monitor and its video card. Today, most systems are capable of
displaying from 16 to 256 colors. Based on the limitations of monitor color display capabilities
and differing CADD system plotting methods, this manual recommends that all A/E/C drawings
be created using the basic colors whenever possible.
Color
Color No.
Color
Color No.
Red
1
Dark Green
94
Yellow
2
Dark Cyan
134
Green
3
Dark Blue
154
Cyan
4
Dark Magenta
214
Blue
5
Brown
36
Magenta
6
Dark Gray
250
White (or black)
7
Med/Dark Gray
251
Dark Red
14
Med/Light Gray
252
Dark Yellow
54
Light Gray
253
Line Weight
Using a variety of line weight substantially improves a drawing’s readability. AutoCAD provides
extensive control over line weights to support viewing and plotting. Following are the general
guidelines for use of typical line weights ranging from 0.18 mm (0.007 in.) to 2.0 mm (0.079 in.):

Fine (0.18 mm). Fine lines should be used sparingly, mostly for patterning (this line
thickness typically does not reproduce well in blue-line format and/or in photocopies).

Medium (.3mm). Medium lines are generally used for objects to be seen, but not
overwhelming the drawing.

Medium-wide (.35mm). Medium-wide lines should be used for annotation objects.
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
Wide (0.50 mm). Wide lines should be used for major object lines, cut lines, section
cutting plane lines, and titles.

Extra wide (0.75 mm). Extra wide lines should be used for minor title underlining,
schedule outlines, large titles, and object lines requiring special emphasis. For very large
scale details drawn at 3 in. = 1 ft or larger, the extra wide width should be used for the
object lines. Extra wide widths are also appropriate for use as an elevation grade line,
building footprint, or top of grade lines on section/foundation details.

Extra-extra wide (.9mm). Extra-extra wide lines are generally used for borders, match
lines, etc.

Screened 1 (.18mm 50% screen). This line weight is used for screening objects.

Screened 2 (.15mm 25% screen). This line weight is used for screening objects (lighter
then screened 1).

Option 1 (1.00 mm). This line weight should be used for major title underlining and
separating portions of drawings.

Option 2 (1.40 mm). This line weight should be used for border sheet outlines and cover
sheet line work, as well as an option for the designer as required.

Option 3 (2.00 mm). This line weight should be used for border sheet outlines and cover
sheet line work, as well as an option for the designer as required.
Please note: All AutoCAD Users must submit a “*.ctb” file that incorporated the general
guidelines from above.
Line Types
The line types selected for this standard are embedded in the provided AutoCAD template files.
The basic line types are listed in Table 4.1. Customized line types are shown in Appendix C.
Line types corresponding to each feature type on a drawing are described in the layer tables of
Appendix-D.
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SJC – AUTOCAD STANDARD
Description
Example
AutoCAD
Designator
Continuous
Continuous
Dotted
Dot2
Dashed
Dashed
Dashed spaced
Dashedx2
Dashed dotted
Dashdot
Dashed doubledotted
Divide
Dashed tripledotted
To be modified at a
later time
N/A
Chain
Chain doubledashed
Center2
N/A
Phantom
Sample Custom Linestyle
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Text Style and Font
Contrasting text styles (or fonts) are used within a drawing to delineate different types of
information. In most A/E/C drawings, the five fonts shown below should be sufficient. These five
text styles are created for AutoCAD. These text styles are all based on the Romans (or
Simplex) font and are included in the AutoCAD template files provided by SJC.

Monotext font. This font creates text characters that are evenly spaced. Monotext font
should be used where text fields need to be aligned such as in schedules or, in some
cases, title blocks. In AutoCAD, use the monotext font.

Proportional font. This font creates text where the characters are proportionally spaced. It
is appropriate for general notes, labels, or title blocks. In AutoCAD, use the Simplex font
with a width factor of .75.

Slanted font. A slanted font is used where text needs to be easily distinguished from
other text. This font can be created in AutoCAD by using the Simplex font with the
Obliquing Angle set to 21.8 deg to achieve the American Standard slope of 2 in 5 (68.2
deg) and a width factor of .75.

Filled font. Filled fonts are used primarily for titles and on cover sheets. For AutoCAD, the
recommended font is the Swiss TrueType font (Note: The TEXTFILL system variable
needs to be set to “1”

Outline font. When a pen plotter is used for final output, the outline font is used as a
substitute for filled fonts for major titles such as cover sheet information to save plotting
time. For AutoCAD, the recommended font is the Sasb (Sans Serif-bold) PostScript font.
All lettering must be of sufficient size, with a minimum size of (0.10”), weight, clarity so that it
can be easily read from a print that has been reduced to one half size of the original drawing. All
lettering shall be done to facilitate reading from the bottom or right hand edge of the sheet. All
lettering shall be capital (uppercase).
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Font Guidelines for A/E/C Drawings
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9.0
SYMBOLS
A“block” in AutoCAD are groups of graphical elements that can be manipulated as a single
entity. The use of such symbols enhances CADD productivity and provides an excellent
opportunity for CADD standardization. Please remove any unused blocks via the “purge”
command to eliminate unwanted blocks.
SJC has provided several symbol libraries and are listed in order of priority below.
1. City of San Jose
2. The CADD/GIS Technology Center, A/E/C CADD standard, Release 2.0
3. Aircrafts
The following symbol resources are provided in electronic format as a component of this
standard. These symbols (blocks) are grouped based on their discipline designation. The
organization of these files are shown below.

AutoCAD blocks, each in an individual drawing (.dwg)

AutoCAD patterns in a pattern library file (.pat)

AutoCAD custom line styles in a line type library file (.lin)
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