File Names and Drawing Numbers

The following procedures have been established for creating design file names in Facility Drafting.  There are two methods for numbering drawings.  These are referred to as the "G" numbering system, and the Discipline Based numbering system. The most common system is the Discipline Based system.

The Discipline Based system associates the drawing number with the specific District facility it represents. The G Drawing Numbering System is used when a project does not represent any specific District facility, such as standard drawings. The Project Engineer will provide the specific drawing numbers to be used for all District drawings.

The "G" Numbering System

All drawing CAD file names under this system use the following format:

XXXXGYYY.EXT

• where "XXXX" is a four or five digit project number, assigned by Engineering Records at the request of the Project Engineer.

• "G" is a letter code, indicating the drawing size. These sizes may include:

G - 22" x 34"

B - 11" x 17"

A - 8 1/2" x 11"

• "YY" is a one to three digit number that matches the drawing number, with any periods omitted.

• ".EXT" is a period plus a 3 character extension that follows the guidelines outlined in the section on File Name Extensions.

• All dashes and periods used in the drawing number are omitted in the file name.

Examples of "G" drawing numbers:

The Discipline Based Numbering System

The Discipline Based drawing numbering system is used for the majority of Facility Drafting drawings. The Discipline Based system is used for any project that is associated with a specific District facility or structure.

All drawing CAD file names under this system use the following format:

XXXXYYAZZZW.EXT

• "XXXX" stands for the 1 to 4 digit numeric structure number that has been assigned to the specific facility.

• "YY" stands for the substructure number, where used. Large District facilities, such as water treatment plants, often use a sub-structure number.

• "A" stands for the drawing discipline. See below for a partial listing and ESP 120.6 for a complete listing of valid discipline codes.

• "ZZZ" stands for a 3 digit drawing number. If the drawing number is less than 3 digits, it should be "padded" with additional leading zeroes, to total 3 digits.

• "W" is a 1 digit insertion number. The insertion number is not normally used, but may be used when it is necessary to insert a drawing between two other drawings.

• ".EXT" is a period plus a 3 character extension, which follows the guidelines outlined in the section on drawing extensions.

• All dashes and periods used in the drawing number, are omitted in the file name.

Examples of Discipline Based drawing numbers:

Listing of Discipline Codes

Z            General drawings, list of drawings, project location map

A            Architectural

S            Structural

C            Civil

D            Cathodic Protection, Corrosion

M            Mechanical

I              Instrumentation

E            Electrical

J             Process (used for P&ID's)

P            Property and Right of Way

T             Topography, Survey

Guidelines for Naming Files

File names should always relate to the drawing number. The guidelines outlined below provide a system for naming files so that they can easily be associated with a drawing. The file names assigned to CAD files make them easier to find and use. With thousands of files active at one time, it would be very easy to "lose" a file. By following these guidelines for CAD file names, the likelihood of losing a file will be greatly reduced.

File names should be unique. Never reuse a file name. For example, rather than naming a file  EXSTSITE.MST, it would be better to name it 103XSITE.MST, where "103" is the structure number for the facility. This will make this existing site file unique from all others.

Drawing number (which equate to CAD file names) must be assigned in advance by the District's Project Engineer or Project Manager. Since similar names/numbers are used for all drawings at a facility, it is necessary to reserve a block of numbers for a project so that the numbers are not used twice. The consultant shall request a block of drawing numbers for use on a project.

File Name Extensions

All CAD files produced by consultants shall use the file name extensions shown below.