1. AutoCAD and GIS
Jim Graham

2. GIS Historical Perspective
History of GIS is based in surveying and making maps
GIS folks think of data in layers that are spatially referenced to the earth
We collect data of various types and layer them to create a map
We then add map elements to help with property boundary determination, navigation, and analysis
See the Austin Texas GeoPDF

3. CAD Historical Perspective
CAD = Computer Aided Design
CAD’s roots are in engineering design
Focus is on creating drawings of mechanical items and adding information to create the item

4. CAD
Creating a “model” (typically of something that is or will be in the read world)
The model needs to be constructed so dimensions and materials are important
Model can be controlled with dimensions and constraints
Typically move from 2D sketches to 3D models by:
Extruding, lathing, cutouts, etc.

5. CAD Has Been 3D for 30 Years

6. CAD Dominates Utilities

7. AutoDesk
Leading company is AutoDesk (like Esri only with better quality software)
AutoCAD – main CAD software package
Classes in Engineering
$1,102/year (working on a VM)
Maya – 3D animation, modeling, simulation, rendering
$1,470/year (free to students!)
Fusion 360 – 3D CAD (cloud-based)
$300/year (free to students)

8. Other Options Sketch-Up Blender
Was free from Google
Sold to Trimble, $695 for pro
Free version in web browser
Blender
3D design and animation
Free
3D rendering/animation software is closely tied to 3D CAD

9. Moving CAD data to GIS GIS has layers with attributes
CAD has drawings with annotations
These do not translate well
At right is the default output from converting a CAD file to a geodatabase

10. Portion of CAD file for HSU
This is all in two layers, one for the annotations and one for everything else! And, they are polylines!

11. Recommendation Need to use AutoCAD, take a class
Need to import data to a GIS, work with a DWG file (I have one)