Every job at iMesure follows a fixed method. We are first and foremost a drafting office for drafting on commission: you send what you have, we draw it up in AutoCAD and you receive DWG, DXF and PDF. Without usable plans or dimensions, our experts come out for an on-site survey. Here is how a drafting job runs and how a site survey works, each in four steps.
CAD drafting on commission: how it works
Outsourced drafting is handled remotely: files and drawings are exchanged by email or download link, so it works anywhere, even outside our service area for site surveys.
Step 1: your files
You send whatever you have, for example:
- a sketch on paper, or a photo of one
- existing plans on paper, tracing paper or PDF
- an existing DWG or DXF
- photos and dimensions of the room or object
- the architect’s plans or the structural engineer’s concrete design
Step 2: agreement and quote
We review your files and agree the details with you:
- Purpose: what is the plan for? Drafting for construction, such as as-built drawings for a renovation or permit application, or shop drawings for the workshop?
- Scale and level of detail: for example 1:50 or 1:100, with only the main dimensions or also elevations, sections and details.
- Layers and template: our clear layer structure, or your own layers, pen settings and template.
- File format and timing: DWG, DXF, PDF or a combination, 3D on request, and when you need the plan.
Based on what we agree, you receive a quote.
Step 3: drafting in AutoCAD
We draw to scale, dimensioned in millimetres, with a clear layer structure. If something in your files is ambiguous, we ask along the way, not at delivery. Old plans often differ from reality, so when digitising plans we recommend a check with a site survey.
Step 4: check and delivery
Before delivery, we check the plan for dimensions, layers and everything we agreed. You then receive DWG, DXF and PDF. If anything needs changing, we discuss it with you.
On-site survey by experts: how it works
If there are no plans, or they no longer match, our experts measure on site. The result is an AutoCAD plan you can use straight away in design and production. Our service area page shows where we carry out surveys.
Step 1: request
You give us the address, the purpose and the result you need, ideally with photos or existing plans, so we know in advance which dimensions and details matter to you. You then receive a quote and we schedule the appointment.
Step 2: the survey on site
We measure with professional Leica laser measuring instruments on a tripod. With point-to-point measuring, we record points from a single set-up, including points out of reach, such as a ceiling, a roof ridge or a stairwell. We measure, for example:
- openings for windows, doors and passageways
- angles and squareness, checked with diagonals, to avoid surprises during installation
- ceiling and ridge heights, stairwells and floor-to-floor heights
We also photograph what we measure. Please make sure every room is accessible and that someone who knows the job can let us in. The equipment and software page explains the measuring method.
Step 3: drawing up in AutoCAD
The measured points go to the computer digitally, so no dimensions need retyping. We work everything up into a plan to scale, with dimensions and layers: a floor plan, wall elevation, facade elevation or section, as agreed.
Step 4: delivery
You receive DWG, DXF and PDF, with a survey report and photos.
Which files do you receive?
You receive your plans in DWG, DXF and PDF, or any combination. On request, we also deliver 3D, in SketchUp or as a 3D DWG.
| Format | What it is | What you use it for |
|---|---|---|
| DWG | AutoCAD’s native format, editable | Further drafting and editing, by you or the architect |
| DXF | Exchange format between CAD programs | Importing into other CAD software and into CAM, CNC or nesting software |
| Fixed view of the plan | Reading, forwarding and printing, for the client, the fitter or the site team |
No AutoCAD? View a DWG with the free DWG TrueView or in your browser with Autodesk Viewer. AutoCAD LT users can open and edit the 2D plans.
Aftercare and changes
A question about a dimension after delivery, or something you would like changed? We go through it with you. After a survey, we go back to the measurement data and the photos. If the job itself changes, we first agree the new scope.
How do you start a job?
Send your sketch, plans, photos or description via the contact form or to info@imesure.com. We reply with targeted questions and a quote, in Dutch, French or English.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have drafting done without a site survey?
Yes. Drafting on commission is our core activity. We draw up plans in AutoCAD from a sketch, a PDF, photos, an existing DWG or your own dimensions, without coming on site. Everything is done remotely, so it does not matter where you are. For old plans, we do recommend a check with a site survey, because they often differ from what is actually there.
What do we agree before the drafting starts?
We agree the purpose of the plan, the scale and level of detail, the layer structure, the file format and the timing. If you work with your own layers, pen settings or template, send them along. The plan then fits straight into your own files, with nothing to convert. Based on what we agree, you receive a quote.
What do I need to prepare for a site survey?
Very little. Make sure all the rooms to be measured are accessible and that someone can let us in. Clear corners, walls and openings as far as possible, so the laser can reach every point. If you have plans, a design or photos, send them in advance. That way we know on site which dimensions and details matter to you.
Can I open a DWG file without AutoCAD?
Yes. You can view a DWG with the free DWG TrueView program or in your browser with Autodesk Viewer. If you work with AutoCAD LT, you can open and edit the 2D plans as normal. If you only want to read and print, use the PDF. The DXF is intended for other CAD programs and for CAM, CNC and nesting software.
What if something needs changing after delivery?
We go through it with you. Email info@imesure.com with the name of the plan and what you would like changed. If it is a question about a dimension after a survey, we go back to the measurement data and the photos taken on site. If the job itself has changed, we first agree the new scope with you.