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Tips for usingand importCAD Data in

ArcGIS

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AgendaCAD Data Format

DWG, DXF, DGNUsing CAD Data as a layer in ArcMapTools & methods for importing CAD DataCommon Problems

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CAD Data formatsDXF & DWG = AutoCADDGN = MicrostationCommonly referred to as a Drawing FileContains multiple entity types Also stores graphics (layouts) Some can store attribute information

Blocks Object Data (Map & Civil 3D)

Can also reference other CAD files Indicated by Blue IconsEdit after converting to geodatabase FC

or shapefile

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CAD data formatsContains multiple entity

types Points Lines Polygons Attributes Text styles Plot layouts Projection/Coordinate

Systems References to external files

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Layers & LevelsPrimary organization

structure Layers = DWG or DXF Levels = DGN

Users can create an unlimited number of layers

Can contain multiple feature types

User defined attributes Name Color Print More

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On to a demo

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ArcGIS CAD to GIS ToolsArcCatalogArcMap

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ArcCatalogConvert to multiple

formatsShapefileGeodatabase

Simple Data LoaderArcToolboxWorks in Catalog

Window

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ArcMapMore flexible than ArcCatalogAlso converts to multiple

formatsCan use selectionsCopy & PasteObject LoaderArcToolbox

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On to another demo

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ArcToolboxCan be used from either

ArcMap or ArcCatalogTools can be used in

model or python script

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ArcToolbox – Feature Class to Feature Class Tool

Converts multiple formats to GDB Feature Class or Shapefile

Can select features using expression

Tool accessible multiple methods

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Feature Class to GeodatabasePython ScriptUses FC to FC toolMultiple FC

converted to single GDB

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CAD to Geodatabase ToolCreates new Feature

dataset in existing GDB

Converts entire drawing file

Can convert multiple CAD files at one time

Can use PRJ and WLD files

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Import CAD Annotation ToolConverts CAD Annotation

to GDB AnnotationDesktop Basic has limited

functionalityCan covert CAD Layers to

individual feature classes (Standard or Advanced) or merge to single FC

If used in ArcMap, you can use layers as input

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Common ProblemsUnlimited drawing area for DWG & DXFNew release formats (2013 most current

AutoCAD)Specialty objects (arcs, ellipses, splines)Data not on correct layer or levelGIS cannot access layout (Paper Space - DWG

or DXF) informationUse of XrefsOften not georeferenced

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Questions & ContactTripp Corbin, CFM, GISPCEOeGIS Associates, Inc.tcorbin@egisassociates.com678-710-9710 ext 21www.egisassociates.com