Integrating CAD Data with Geographic Information Systems
Using AutoCAD and ARC/INFO Software
PAUL T. CEDFELDT AND MARK A. SCOTT
INTRODUCTION
This document offers the reader a methodology for
objects to AutoCAD objects, and the concepts should
effectively integrating data created using AutoDesk's
carry over accurately. For example, layers in AutoCAD
computer-aided design (CAD) software AutoCAD
correspond to levels in MicroStation, AutoCAD
(R14) with ESRI's (Environmental Systems Research
polylines correspond to linestrings in MicroStation, and
Institute's) ARC/INFO (version 7.2) geographic infor-
blocks map to cells.
mation system (GIS) software. Although we intend to
educate CAD and GIS users to ways of facilitating the
SOFTWARE OVERVIEW
creation of data in CAD for use in GIS, it is not within
the scope of this document to consider compatibility
CAD and GIS software, while different, are often
issues between every object type in each system. We
used in conjunction with one another. The two pack-
do, however, discuss a set of issues that are representa-
ages are concerned with three types of data: coordinate
tive of the data integration hurdles faced by many CAD
data, descriptive attributes, and graphic symbology.
and GIS users.
Traditionally, CAD software stores graphic symbology
At the writing of this paper, AutoCAD 2000 had been
and geometric coordinates in the object information in
released but had not yet been tested for this document.
the drawing database. The final product is often a
ESRI plans to fully support AutoCAD 2000 in upcom-
paper map, so symbology and appearance take prece-
ing versions of its software. ArcView 3.2 is in produc-
dence during the data creation process. GIS software,
tion to support AutoCAD 2000 data, and ARC/INFO
however, is primarily concerned with the geographic
8.0 is in beta testing. ARC/INFO 8.0, with its
coordinates (not to be confused with geometric coordi-
GeoDatabase model, is a new development in ESRI's
nates) and descriptive attributes stored in a relational
GIS model. The appendixes and a future revision to
database. The GIS database is targeted at providing a
this document will include discussion of ArcView 3.1
continuous digital model, connected to a database of
and ARC/INFO 8.0 in varying levels of detail.
attributes, and it is intended for complex query and
CAD and GIS professionals such as engineers, sur-
analysis. Symbology is applied map by map, based on
veyors, planners, and cartographers commonly integrate
the values in the database.
AutoCAD drawing (.DWG) or drawing interchange
format (.DXF) files, developed internally or by outside
AutoCAD
contractors, with ESRI formats such as ArcView
AutoCAD is the most widely used PC-based CAD
shapefiles (.SHP) or ARC/INFO coverages. This docu-
package on the market. It is primarily used in the
ment assumes that the reader has a professional level
design and drafting of models in engineering, architec-
of knowledge of AutoCAD or ARC/INFO or both, but
ture, and other disciplines, but it also serves as an
we provide base-level information for the sake of com-
excellent generic geometric design tool. An engineer
pleteness.
might use AutoCAD to design a site for a new mall,
Although this document is intended for an audience
and an architect may use it to design a new building.
of AutoCAD users, MicroStation users can map their
Whatever the discipline, the strength of AutoCAD lies
Previous Page
