Export formats dwg to GIS compatible?

[Kat]

Hi All

 

I was wondering what file types AutoCAD can export to? I have someone that needs a map that I have in autoCAD so they can input it into a ArcGIS system or some sort. I am not familiar with GIS at all, so any advice would be appreciated!

 

Thanks!

[Jwilson]

There is a vertical called MAP3D that can fit the bill for coordinate systems. If fact, in order for a map to georeference properly, you need to assign a coordinate system to function properly (with real world maps.)

 

But if you want to use use a CAD drawing in ARCGIS, you can export your drawing to a .shp for it to work in ARCGIS.

 

But like I said earlier, it will probably be easier to work out of MAP3D as you can preset your drawing to function correctly and the interface will be recognizible. I have worked with ArcGIS and I found it hard to adapt to because I am so used to a AutoCAD environment.

 

In fact, you can export a map from MAP3D into a .DWF, use it in design review and capture GPS data on it.

[ccowgill]

I would have to say that straight AutoCAD does not have this capability. If you map was drawn in straight AutoCAD, and they needed it to be exported, you would need Map3d (as Jwilson stated) or Civil3D, you'd have to assign some sort of coordinate system, and then export the shape files. I dont know if there are any free 3rd party apps that will allow you to do this, I do know that Map3d is expensive and Civil3D even more expensive than that.

[CyberAngel]

I believe ArcGIS accepts DXF files. One of the counties nearby requires us to submit GIS data in a DXF file, and they use ArcGIS. I would ask for more details about the GIS system.

[Kat]

I think I will send out a *.dxf and a *.shp file to the guy who requested it. Thanks for the suggestions people! I really should have taken a surveying class in college...oh well!

[KJB]

ArcGIS: ArcCatalog Version 9.3 support DWG files for conversion also.

[chulse]

Assuming they have ESRI ArcGIS - ArcMap can work with cad (dwg) files directly, however the DWG file may need to be saved back to an older format depending on what version of ArcGIS they have.

[ReMark]

File types that AutoCAD can export to include dwf, dwfx, wmf, sat, stl, eps, dxx, bmp, dwg and dgn.

[chulse]

Good point Mark, that is what the OP actually asked...

[ReMark]

Good point Mark, that is what the OP actually asked...

 

True, but you guys anticipated where the question was leading to next and gave Kat the info she was really looking for. I threw in my post for future questions regarding what file formats AutoCAD can export to.

[Kat]

Thanks again guys! I'll have to wait until this afternoon when I go to my second job to try out these different exports. I keep asking this guy what program he is using so I can figure out what he wants, but I never seem to get a straight answer. Anyway, I'll post what works when I find out.

[ReMark]

It's tough to give a person what they need if they do not know what they want. Maybe he expects you to read his mind. Good luck.

[KJB]

I believe ArcGIS is ESRI.

 

Copied from Wikipedia:

 

ArcGIS is a suite consisting of a group of geographic information system (GIS) software products produced by Esri. At the desktop GIS level, ArcGIS can include:

• ArcReader, which allows one to view and query maps created with the other Arc products;
  
• ArcView, which allows one to view spatial data, create layered maps, and perform basic spatial analysis;
  
• ArcEditor which, in addition to the functionality of ArcView, includes more advanced tools for manipulation of shapefiles and geodatabases; or
  
• ArcInfo which includes capabilities for data manipulation, editing, and analysis.
  

[ReMark]

The ArcGIS Desktop Help provides a wealth of information regarding what it refers to as CAD conversion. One topic is How Import from CAD (Conversion) Works.

 

"Converts a collection of CAD files into feature classes and data tables using a predefined and highly normalized schema for the purpose of further translation into GIS data.

The output is stored in an interim staging geodatabase. The geodatabase can then be used, or further post-processing can be performed."

[Jwilson]

If the map needs to be GIS-compatible, you will need to export it to .shp so that you can retain the data associated with it. ArcGIS uses .shp's - and MAP reads these files via dataconnect, which regular CAD doesn't support.

 

But if you just want the map to import into ArcGIS, then dgn should work. But I remember reading that newer versions support .dwg now.