CAD Exchange Format in the Field of Public Works Japan

There is a CAD data exchange format named SXF (Scadec eXchange Format) in the field of Japanese public works. It was developed by a consortium in 1999 to be based on the ISO10303-202, so that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (MLIT) could start accepting e-delivery (e-submission) of CAD drawings. The development of SXF was one of the targets of the CALS/EC (Continuous Acquisition and Lifecycle Support/Electric Commerce) program which MLIT has been promoting since 1999.With most of local governments following the MLIT to accept e-delivery the SXF has become a standard format in public works in Japan. But many problems still remain. For example, many design companies or contractors usually use another CAD in their offices and convert their drawings into the SXF just before e-submission. This paper will introduce the standard of CAD exchange format SXF through the activities of Japanese public works.