Author Description

This highly engaging, fast-paced manual is written by experts who will power readers through the ins and outs of using AutoCAD 2002 while sharing first-hand knowledge of how it is being used in today's professional marketplaces to generate 2D drawings as well as create and render sophisticated 3D models. Extraordinarily complete, yet markedly concise, AutoCAD 2002: Complete is an essential how-to book and long-lasting reference that begins by leading readers to a solid understanding of how to start new projects, control the drawing environment, and organize drawings using AutoCAD's layers. Numerous step-by-step examples and hands-on exercises allow readers to move quickly into creating and editing 2D drawings, including annotating, hatching, dimensioning and plotting. The book then expands upon this expertise by introducing and explaining clearly, yet succinctly how to take full advantage of AutoCAD's 3D modeling tools to generate first-quality drawings, surfaces, solid models and renderings. A final chapter is also included to help readers navigate through advanced topics with emphasis on developing "in demand" skills such as photo-realistic rendering, object linking and embedding (OLE), plus working with external databases. All topics are introduced in a logical and progressive sequence, enabling novices to advance quickly to proficiency. And, because examples and exercises increase in number and variety as topics become more complex, readers with prior experience using earlier AutoCAD releases (or other CAD applications) can zero-in easily on the specific AutoCAD 2002 tools and techniques that interest to them.