FAQs
What do you mean by "The Basics"?
The Bootcamp syllabus is structured around the 80/20 rule. There is a small set of tools and settings that represent the biggest opportunity for increase in speed and proficiency. We will focus on going deep with the commands that are most applicable to what we do as LD consultants as we work on fictitious non-residential site layouts to demonstrate how to get to the “finish line” in less hours. Escape Velocity is deliberately keeping the training narrowly focused on this need. We are not presently covering topics like: surface creation, alignments, profiles, corridors, LiDAR, GIS functionality, pipe networks, feature line grading, grading objects, etc.
We assume that students attending have used AutoCAD and understand terms like “coordinate system”, “Command Line”, “Ribbon”, “Object Properties”, and the like. This is not an “INTRO TO CAD.”
Where is the classroom located?
Public bootcamps are typically held at a location in Fort Washington, PA that is equipped with eight dual-monitor plug-n-play workstations equipped with peripherals and a conference room with white board and large display for group instruction.
If you would like me to come to your firm for a private bootcamp, that can be arranged if we can come to terms on the minimum requirements for the learning environment.
Will meals and refreshments be provided?
Coffee and light refreshments are available throughout the day. Lunch from Panera Bread is included in the price.
Who will benefit from this class?
Is this affiliated with current primary Land Development Consulting job?
I can only offer this anecdotal rule of thumb based on my own experience:
DEFINITELY: Someone who cannot reliably convert a “sharpie sketch” of a small (1ac +/-) non-residential site to CAD layout in model space with layers and annotations in less than an hour will benefit from the Bootcamp.
DEFINITELY NOT: Someone who can perform this task reliably in 30 minutes or less is probably ready for more advanced training than what is offered at the Bootcamp. They should not attend.
No. This is my personal side hustle. It is not an extension of my day job.
What do I need to bring?
Lunch, if you don’t like Panera Bread.
A laptop PC with AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, or AutoCAD Civil 3D with a USB-C connection port. [If this requirement is prohibitive for you, we have some additional options that we can discuss.]
Can’t we just hold our own internal bootcamp?
Yes. In many cases, this is actually the best solution to the problem we are trying to solve here at Escape Velocity. But let’s not ignore some of the realities that makes this difficult for you to do so right now. Those who are qualified to do the instruction are already over-leveraged. Creating an engaging and meaningful curriculum takes dedicated time and attention - as does the class preparation and follow-through.
”Knowledgeable Instructor” ≠ “Effective Instructor”. Those who have the skills at the keyboard often lack the qualities of an effective instructor. When both instructor and student are employees at the same firm, truly disconnecting from the project workload becomes more difficult. Students are more likely to ask the simple/embarrassing questions if the instructor is an outside peer rather than a colleague. The list goes on and on.
I want more competence and proficiency throughout the workforce. If you have made arrangements within your own firm to fill this “gap”, then thank you for being part of the solution. If you’re unable to do so now or are looking for some inspiration on how to organize such a training program, reserve a seat at our next available Bootcamp.