The AEC (UK) committee is proud to announce that the updated version of the AEC (UK) CAD Standards for Layer Naming is now available for download. Version 3.0, the latest version of the most widely adopted layering standard in the UK, is released to align better with BS1192:2007’s guidelines and the latest Uniclass classifications. Updates and enhancements include:
- Additional discipline codes not covered by BS1192:2007
- Updated implementation of Uniclass tables F & G
- Enhanced table Z for more structured definition of non-physical, CAD-based elements
- Full compliance with the BS1192:2007 Presentation field
- Expansion of the 4-character Descriptions field to full, clear, English terms
- Updates to the “View” field to better integrate layer standards with 3D and BIM software
Nigel Davies, chair of the AEC (UK) Committee commented, “Even with all the progress we are seeing towards BIM adoption, the importance of data organisation starts with a consistent and clear CAD layering standard. The changes to the AEC (UK) layer standard have been made by the companies using this standard. It’s a testament to the robust, coordinated methods employed by many of the forward-thinking practices in the UK, small and large, that this latest release is as popular and important to the UK design and construction industry as the original was 10 years ago.”
AEC (UK) CAD & BIM Standards Site 
is there anywhere I a can a set of the ‘Version 3.0.1’ layers in AutoCAD format?
We are currently updating our CAD layers to comply with the AEC guidelines. Can you advise what ‘role’ code we should be using as a building services mechanical, electrical and public health design consultancy please?
You would use “M” or mechanical layers, “E” for electrical and “P” for public health. It’s not company-based, it’s discipline-based.
Thanks Jonathon – the wrong version of the PDF was uploaded. We’ve corrected that already, so you should now see “Cut” used in the examples.
You are correct, the View field is non-mandatory.
It’s included to allow better differentiation where ByLayer settings are required, and to provide better integration with BIM software, both in terms of those, such as Bentley Building products, that utilise layers/levels, and for conversion out to CAD systems from systems that don’t to maintain visual integrity.
The examples at the end use ‘Sec’ whereas the Description for Field uses ‘Cut’ is this field a non-mandatory one, and its use follows from prior implementations?