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Review: Autodesk Map 3D 2008
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AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 is the latest version of the popular engineering GIS program available from Autodesk. This product has been continually refined over the year's with new functionality added each version. This is no exception for 2008 with several new features added to the program that bridge CAD / GIS integration possibilities. AutoCAD Map 3D has shifted in recent times to provide more value in terms of GIS functionality. Built upon the AutoCAD engine, this product is also a core member of a series of products forming a strong CAD-based foundation the company labels 'engineering GIS.' Background

AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 from Autodesk bears the company's new name for the product which previously carried the company name in the product title. This name supports the fact that the product is built on the same AutoCAD foundation as AutoCAD itself, similar to other products in the Autodesk lineup. Technically then, one might say that AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 extends AutoCAD, and it does, significantly. While the product supports CAD design work flows readily, it is also capable of providing geographic information system (GIS) functionality in relationship to CAD acquired data.

This means GIS data and CAD data can coexist within this environment together. This latest version builds on the GIS functionality adding spatial operators such as 'joins' and 'buffering' to the feature list. This product even includes a digital booklet available within the program entitled 'GIS Skills for Engineers' which is designed to familiarize engineer's with GIS. This is not a light read, it is well documented and includes work flow examples with explanations. The benefits of integration should also not be overlooked when considering work flows for many design organizations. In most cases individual clients and businesses are accessing one or more servers or data warehouses. This means they connect to different products and data types, but it also means that different work flows, such as those used by architects, engineers and field personnel may also be present. Autodesk Map 3D 2008 is enabled to participate and share data with them as well.

 

Data into the organization
CAD data is created through the design process. When new infrastructure such as roads, pipelines and buildings are being created, there is a good chance that you will find CAD software being used to create them. It is oriented specifically toward designer's needs and includes capabilities which enhance and speed the design process. The link of CAD to GIS begins to address the unique functionality that is required for managing and operating infrastructure, including spatial tasks. The combination of the two enables planners and manager's to perform their tasks all within one framework.

To enable this, both CAD and GIS data are often stored in similar databases. Oracle and Microsft SQL Server are two of the most common databases being used for this purpose, however, open source databases such as MySQL, Postgesql and others are in use. The advantages of operating CAD and GIS tasks from a similar database or similar databases across a network, is also important because it is the link to financial systems, ERP and other other IT related systems.

But to achieve this level of functionality, a product needs to be capable of accessing those data warehouses and the format types within them, then integrating that information into one common view. That is where AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 comes in. The software is able to import / export a wide number of different data types and formats. AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 has been updated to include Oracle and new imagery formats, for example. Others include (see Figure 1):

• ArcSDE middleware
• Oracle Spatial
• MySQL
• Microsoft SQL Server ODBC (open database connectivity)
• ESRI SHP Files
• Spatial Data File (SDF)
• Raster Files (JPEG, JPG2K, MrSID, TIFF, ECW, DEM, ESRI Grid, DTED and NITF)
• Web Map Services (WMS) Web Feature Service (WFS)
• Arc/Info coverages
• MicroStation DGN format
• Generalized Markup Language (GML)
• Ordnance Survey MasterMap (DNF)
• Vector Product Format (VPF-read only)
• Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS)

A key positive factor for this software is the ability to import standard Autodesk design files which are in DWG format, and to export them. It is this file format from Autodesk that is recognized in the design field. I was able to connect to a number of different file formats and import them. In addition, I was able to connect to a WMS server based in Australia.

 

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