ASM
Combining CAD and GIS
Instant access to geospatial data and a mapping context for CAD designs
This information has been supplied by 1Spatial and its inclusion has been paid for.
Models of buildings, transport infrastructure and engineering projects are created in CAD packages. Often however, they are restricted by the native CAD environment, and largely have no connection to the real world or to other design objects. Likewise, GIS has in the past been deemed the realm of geographic information, with no interaction between data and users of other systems. It was used solely for geographic information storage, manipulation and analysis. Bringing the CAD and GIS fields together – and harnessing the data and expertise inherent in each of them – is increasingly a goal of public and private sector organisations worldwide. Satellite navigation systems and the internet have demonstrated the practical application of overlaying data against geospatial information to a much broader audience.
Such applications have broad reaching benefits. For example, being able to view CAD designs on an accurate mapping background at the planning stage, before any work commences, could allow any possible defects to be identified and rectified early on, rather than after work has commenced on site.
But there are often differences in technology platforms, or a lack of strategic interaction between GIS users and CAD users. This can mean that either the corporate mapping data has to be translated and duplicated into the CAD world, or the engineers lose control of their designs as they are moved into a GIS mapping system. This loss of control applies in terms of both precision and access.
Each option requires compromises to be made; neither is issue free in relation to duplication and currency of data. There is also a very real danger that, without tight management, no guarantee can be given that all the decision makers across an organisation are using the same and most accurate information.
This situation is unfortunate. The goals of the CAD designer and the GIS officer/manager are typically the same. Both need to show a current or future development in a design or modelled form, including analysis regarding environmental and logistical impact.
One of the most popular CAD packages across all industry sectors is Autodesk’s AutoCAD, but joining AutoCAD designs and corporate mapping databases is currently not a simple task. To achieve this, an AutoCAD user has to find some way of translating mapping data into DXF (AutoCAD format) files, and then storing these files somewhere for use. During the translation process, the source data may have been updated in a way that can effect the accurate depiction of the design.
MapRelate
As a simple, complementary plug-in component for AutoCAD, MapRelate is dedicated to enabling users to directly and instantly access existing map files. These files might be held locally, or in a corporate database, but they can be accessed from within AutoCAD without the need for data transfers or specialist software.
MapRelate facilitates live, independent access to most spatial data sources, without translation or duplication. This is achieved using Feature Data Objects (FDO) access technology embedded into the product. This is the same technology found in Autodesk’s AutoCAD Map 3D and MapGuide products. It enables MapRelate to support the majority of geospatial data formats, enhancing the usability of the product.
Streamlining the Process
MapRelate is a fully integrated application and can be operated from within AutoCAD. The majority of the extra functions can be controlled using either the command line or the graphic user interface, whichever is most familiar to the user.
By providing mapping on demand, MapRelate acts to streamline what has previously been a time consuming, expensive and cumbersome process of data translation. It allows AutoCAD users to work concurrently with the GIS team, always using the latest snapshot of geospatial data available.
Data Management
MapRelate can update the mapping data being used at any time by using a ‘refresh’ or ‘redraw’ facility that always takes the latest version of a map from the central data store. This also means the users – architects, engineers, etc – can continue with traditional tasks without taking on the role of data custodian or administrator. In addition, it allows GIS staff at all levels to interact with AutoCAD users across numerous divisions. By referencing the same information, they are able to gather valuable feedback and intelligence that drives the improvement and maintenance of the data. This interaction results in a reduction in duplication of effort. It also improves overall data quality, ensuring savings on resources and improved confidence in the information.
Data Analysis
The availability of direct access means that any competent user of AutoCAD can quickly and easily combine or overlay designs accurately against a map background. By combining designs with the geospatial data, users can obtain a clear display of their design in context, and a ‘real world’ view of it. This ensures that errors can be spotted at the pre-development stage, allowing designers to adjust plans and save valuable resources.
The increased levels of precision facilitated by MapRelate mean that more accurate environmental, logistical, and – importantly – financial impact assessments can be made, regarding a specific project. The depth of information provided by mapping data can be invaluable in supporting planning applications and transport infrastructure improvement schemes. It also supports the relevant legal process where there is a necessity to scrutinise a detailed project design..
As MapRelate is limited to the depiction of a snapshot of geospatial data, AutoCAD users may find that after using this product, they have a need for more detailed interaction with GIS. For example, more comprehensive environmental analysis and thematic displays and presentations may be required. In this situation, MapRelate can serve as an initial stepping stone to the full power of Autodesk’s geospatial AutoCAD Map 3D platform.
Cartographic Flexibility
MapRelate automatically integrates and formats the mapping data so that it is usable in the AutoCAD environment. It features its standard conventions such as polylines, text, points and blocks, as well as flexible layering, and AutoCAD command line and menu integration.
Cartographic rendering gives a design a geospatial context to assist with the presentation of that design. It will give an observer an accurate impression of how any new development will interact with the existing world around it. It gives the AutoCAD user greater flexibility to change the design and offer alternatives that may better suit their requirements.
Easy Installation
MapRelate installation is via a downloadable link and the application is simple to configure. It is therefore easily integrated into administration systems and can be achieved with minimal disruption. Departmental and IT administrators can efficiently control and monitor access permission through the full administrator interface. Comprehensive online user documentation is provided as standard.
Conclusion
Giving designers access to data that provides them with ‘real world’ context is the first step towards CAD/GIS convergence. Many organisations are already recognising the importance of including a mapping context in their designs. MapRelate provides AutoCAD users with quick and simple data analysis with clear displays of accurate geospatial data.
This allows for errors to be trapped at project inception stage. Importantly, it also introduces the average AutoCAD user to the concept of using geographic information and geospatial data.
