Autodesk 00128-051462-9310 User Guide - Page 198

NOTE Changing full xref paths to relative xref paths or relative paths to full paths in an existing project will change existing paths accordingly, provided the previous path was included in the AEC project location search paths in the AEC project options. An exception to this behavior is if the xref path points to a different hard drive than the one the project APJ file resides on. For information on adding project location search paths, see "Setting the Default Project Options" on page 161. Before You Begin:Working in a Network Environment When you are working on a large project, the project may be hosted on a network server and accessed by multiple users simultaneously. Note these points to create a seamless workflow: ■ Mapped drives: The Drawing Management feature supports working with mapped drives. You can place the project APJ file or project drawings on a mapped drive and mirror the server information for users in multiple locations. For more information, see "Working with Design Teams Located Remotely" on page 160. ■ Access restrictions on the network server: You can limit other users' ability to edit and delete project files by using network permissions. You can limit the Delete rights for the entire project, so that users cannot delete files from the project or move files around within the project. You might consider limiting delete rights to the top project folder (containing the APJ file) while allowing deletions in the subfolders. ■ Keeping the project tree current: When multiple users are working on a project simultaneously, it is possible that one user's view of the project will not reflect changes made by another user. For example, one user might be adding/moving/deleting constructs in a project the same time that another user is annotating plotting sheets. The user working on plotting sheets is not notified that the coworker has removed some constructs from the project. So if he tries to open a removed construct from the Project Navigator on his machine, an error message results. To prevent this situation, frequently refresh the project views so that all items are updated to reflect the current project status. For more information, see "Refreshing the Project View" on page 294. Process Overview:Working in a Project Environment In a project environment, drawing files are connected by a project file. You select numerous settings for the project, such as template locations, folder categories, and building data like levels and divisions. A drawing created within a project environment is edited and saved within the project structure. You can create specific views of your building constructs, and define tailor-made plot sheets for views. You can define categories such as Architectural, Structural, or HVAC into which your constructs are saved. The Drawing Management feature has two main components-the Project Browser and the Project Navigator. In the Project Browser, you define the current project, create new projects, and set high-level project information such as mapped drives, default templates, file prefixes, and user-defined information like contact, financial, or legal details. In the Project Navigator, you perform project-specific tasks, like creating project drawings or plotting sheets and setting levels and divisions. The following basic steps lead you from start to finish through your project: Step 1: Create a new project. New projects can be either based on an existing project, or be built from scratch. For more information, see "Creating a New Project" on page 174. Step 2: Define the project settings. 158 | Chapter 6 Drawing Management