Professions
Floor plans for architects
For a design practice the measured survey is rarely the interesting work but always the beginning. The survey drawing determines how robust everything after it will be — and it regularly costs more time than the first design option.
A browser-based floor plan editor is not a CAD replacement and does not try to be. It is a fast route from the site visit to a dimensionally correct base that travels into your usual environment as a DXF.
From site visit to base drawing
Three routes reach the same result: drawing from your own survey, importing an existing plan from a photo or scan, or capturing the space with an iPhone LiDAR sensor. In every case you continue in the same editor afterwards.
The intermediate step matters: calibrate against two known dimensions before you label anything. A base whose scale was never verified produces consequential errors in every drawing built on it.
- Always calibrate against two measured reference lengths
- Set wall thicknesses realistically, not by default
- Capture openings with a width, not just as a symbol
- Run the plan check before exporting
Handing over to CAD
The DXF export writes geometry in millimetres with a metric measurement system and puts elements on separate layers: external walls, internal walls, doors, windows, room labels and dimensions. Drawing extents are set so CAD zooms straight to the plan.
The file follows the R12 structure. That is deliberately plain: no block libraries, no dynamic dimension objects. For a survey base that is no loss, because you replace those elements with your own standards anyway.
What the tool does not do
It is not a BIM tool. It knows no element classes, no build-ups, no reinforcement and no clash detection between disciplines. If you need those, stay in your design software and use the DXF as a base.
It is also not a the applicable building rules instrument. The area calculation follows the German living-area regulation and is documented traceably, but it replaces neither a DIN 277 calculation nor an expert report.
Frequently asked questions
In which format do I receive the base drawing?
As DXF in millimetres with a metric measurement system and separate layers for walls, openings, labels and dimensions. A PDF and a JSON export of the full geometry are available too.
Does this replace my CAD software?
No, and it is not meant to. It shortens the path from site visit to a dimensionally correct base. The design work happens in your usual environment.
Is the area calculation DIN 277 compliant?
No. The calculation follows the German living-area regulation. DIN 277 uses a different system of gross, net and usable areas and arrives at different values.