How to Overlay and Superimpose Three PDF Drawings from Different Disciplines in Planform?

Scenario:

You're managing technical workflows for a 20-storey commercial building in Kuala Lumpur. The structural works are complete, and the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) teams are preparing for installation on Level 7, which houses a data center, HVAC plant room, and high-capacity electrical risers.

Each discipline mechanical (HVAC ducting), electrical (cable trays and risers), and plumbing (drainage and water supply) has submitted its own PDF layout for Level 7. Clashes are suspected in the ceiling space due to tight vertical clearances and overlapping service zones.

To resolve this, you use the Planform Compare feature to overlay all three drawings and visually inspect the installation routes.

To visually coordinate installation routes across different disciplines or systems, follow these steps to superimpose three PDF drawings using the Compare feature in Planform:

Step 1: Superimpose Drawings A and B

1. Launch drawings A and B in the Planform application.

2. Click the ‘Compare’ feature on the toolbar.

3. Select drawings A and B to superimpose.

4. If the drawings are misaligned or offset, set a common base point for both. Ensure the same base point is used to maintain alignment.

5. Choose a save location, rename the output file, and click ‘Compare’ to complete the overlay.

6. The superimposed result of drawings A and B is now ready for visualization.

Step 2: Add Drawing C to the Overlay

1. To add the third drawing, launch drawing C in Planform.

2. Click the ‘Compare’ feature on the toolbar again.

3. Select the previously saved A+B overlay and drawing C for comparison.

4. If needed, set a common base point for both drawings to ensure proper alignment.

5. Choose a save location, rename the file, and click ‘Compare’ to finalize the overlay.

6. All three drawings (A, B, and C) are now successfully superimposed and ready for review

Animated Demonstration: