In order to complete your project faster, smarter and more accurately, Autodesk Map 3D would be the best choice and it is the only software you will need for design, drafting and management all types of projects. Based on the industry-leading AutoCAD 2008, you will be working with a familiar graphical enviroment and drafting tools that you already know to plot project documentation and plan sets with accuracy and fidelity.

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We want to give our AutoCAD® users direct access to GIS data for background reference and querying, but the CAD users aren't familiar with databases. Is AutoCAD Map 3D the right tool?

Yes, AutoCAD Map 3D is the right tool for you. First of all, it will be familiar to CAD users and allow them to access GIS data in a variety of formats. Furthermore, AutoCAD Map 3D has all of AutoCAD's functions as well as specific tools for working with ESRI data that are easy to learn.

Yes! AutoCAD Map 3D allows you to combine all those forms of spatial data and more – so you don't have to scan and digitize everything, yet all of your data lines up correctly.

I need to enforce compliance and standards on design work from my contractors. Tell me how AutoCAD Map 3D assists with that.

With AutoCAD Map 3D, you get a number of tools you can use to validate and enforce data standards. For instance, you can use object classifications to ensure that the submitted DWG complies with your data standards, including the correct line styles, colors, and layers, but AutoCAD Map 3D also allows you to automatically add data attributes such as pipe size, material, manufacturer, etc. to the CAD objects.

Sure! AutoCAD Map 3D offers built-in, standards-based support for linking CAD objects to external databases and enables you to store CAD data in popular relational database management systems such as Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server – without expensive middleware. You can even work with ESRI ArcSDE–managed databases. Using AutoCAD Map 3D's query functions, you can search, filter, and sort vector objects based on their inherent or linked data attributes or perform analysis (e.g. thematic maps) and generate reports.

There is an open-source FDO data provider available that enables an AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 user to connect to and work with ArcSDE 9.2. Click here to download the open source FDO provider.

Yes, you can use an open-source FDO data provider that enables an AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 user to connect and work with ESRI Personal Geodatabases. For details, click here to read the white paper.