Best Practices for Managing

Geospatial Data
infrastructure solutions
autodesk

Second Edition

Autodesk Geospatial
autodesk Geospatial

Best Practices
for Managing
Geospatial Data

Part number: 12911-010000-5000A

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Contents

Chapter 1: Autodesk Geospatial 1

About Autodesk Geospatial 2

Bringing CAD and GIS Together 3

Freedom and Flexibility 6

Open Integration 7

Extend the Power 10

Autodesk Geospatial Breaks Down Barriers 12

Conclusion 14

Chapter 2: The Geospatial Value Chain 15

Stage One: AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT 16

Stage Two: AutoCAD Map 3D 18

Stage Three: AutoCAD Map 3D + FDO 20

What Is FDO? 22
What Are Features? 24
What Is a Schema? 26

Stage Four: Spatial Databases 28

Stage Five: Topobase and Other Applications 30

Contents
Chapter 3: Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 33

Accessing Geospatial Data 34

Workflow: Create and edit database features 36
Workflow: Bring In Design Data from AutoCAD Civil 3D 41
Workflow: Use existing features as a starting point 44

Using DWG Files As Data Sources 48

Workflow: Combine DWG data sources and feature data sources 49
Workflow: Convert DWG objects to features 51
Workflow: Export DWG objects to a GIS data store 54

Organizing and Managing Geospatial Data 58

Workflow: Convert one schema into another 58
Workflow: Notify neighbors within a certain radius of a parcel 61

Handling Styles and Symbols 65

Workflow: Share styles with other users 65

Analyzing Geospatial Data 69

Workflow: Create a thematic map for web distribution 69

Incorporating Raster Images and Surfaces 73

Workflow: Build a 3D map using surfaces and raster images 75

Publishing Geospatial Data 78

Workflow: Publish for print or plot 78

Distributing Geospatial Data 82

Workflow: Create a Web-based application 83

Chapter 4: Common Business Problems and Their Solutions 87

Government 88
Managing raster-based drawings 88

The Utility and Telecom Industries 91

ii Contents
Example solution #1: Mapping system 91
Example solution #2: Managing as-designed and as-built data 93
Example solution #3: Work order management 95
Example solution #4: Asset management with automated distribution 97

Other Industries 100

Property Management 100

Chapter 5: Sample Maps 103

Maps Using Surfaces 104

State of Washington relief map 104
Yosemite trail map 104
Marin County land use map 104
Indian subcontinent wall map 104

Thematic Maps 109

Literacy in India 109
USA geology map 109
New Mexico land ownership and population 109

Maps Using Raster Images 114

Deforestation in Chiapas, Mexico 114
Landsat mosaic 114
New Orleans 114

Glossary 119

Index 129

Contents iii
iv Contents
Chapter 1:

Autodesk
Geospatial
From planning through design,
construction, and maintenance,
Autodesk Geospatial delivers
powerful data interoperability
and a fully integrated platform for
managing spatial data assets.
About Autodesk Geospatial

For many organizations, such as governments, utility and telecommunication

providers, and engineering and construction firms, spatial data is crucial. It’s
essential that these organizations have the tools to take full advantage of all their
data and spatial information, which is typically stored in a variety of locations such
as desktops, file servers, CAD servers, GIS servers, and web servers. And because
the data is routinely managed by different people across various departments—
including engineers, GIS specialists, and IT personnel—these organizations
need a way to avoid data redundancy, a costly situation that happens when each
functional entity is using, storing, and managing the same data differently.

Information used by GIS teams in planning and analysis is frequently re-created

by engineers in the design phase. Similarly, GIS professionals often find a way to
import CAD information into their systems but can end up with data stripped
of much of its valuable engineering detail—such as text and dimensioning that
exist in CAD drawings but aren’t preserved or read by GIS applications.

If everyone could use data from a common source and continually

update it with current information, the entire organization would
save time and money while minimizing repetitive tasks.

Autodesk Geospatial
Bringing CAD and GIS Together

Autodesk brings two leading technologies together to help organizations get the full
value from spatially enabled data. Using Autodesk Geospatial to bridge computer-
aided design (CAD) and geographic information systems (GIS), organizations can use
existing resources, reduce redundancy and errors, and increase operational efficiency.

Autodesk Geospatial makes it easier to access essential information across an

organization regardless of the format or location in which it is stored. These
solutions help streamline processes by eliminating disparate systems and creating
an environment where data stored in a central database can be constantly
refreshed through real time updates from the field. This proven, easy-to-learn
technology is intuitive to professionals trained in either CAD or GIS.

Autodesk Geospatial
Most Valuable Asset
Data lives at the center of any infrastructure project and is one of an
organization’s most valuable assets. People change jobs, companies reinvest in
software, but the data owned by these organizations remains permanent.

Autodesk Geospatial neither puts data into a proprietary format nor locks it into
a particular application for accessing or managing it. Autodesk gives geospatial
professionals the tools they need to increase the value of data assets by helping
to ensure that these assets are properly maintained, usable, and accessible to
the entire organization in a secure and scalable manner. Implementing Autodesk
Geospatial also enables organizations to combat the high levels of redundancy,
inaccuracy, data mismatches, currency issues, and versioning problems that
often result from information that is not easily shared or accessed.

Data is at the center of any infrastructure solution and the central component of Autodesk Geospatial.

Autodesk Geospatial
Unlock the Data
Many engineers today work in hybrid IT environments, with software and applications
from a variety of vendors. Autodesk Geospatial is ideally suited for this situation.
For instance, using AutoCAD Map® 3D software, engineering staff can create
and edit ESRI® ArcSDE® data using CAD tools built on the world’s leading CAD
application—AutoCAD® software—enabling them to work on geospatial data in
its native environment. Autodesk FDO Data Access Technology is the method for
working with ESRI and many other data. Incorporated into Autodesk Geospatial
products, FDO Data Access Technology helps increase productivity—saving time by
enabling users to seamlessly work on a variety of spatial and non-spatial databases
and files without translation and consequent loss of data. AutoCAD Map 3D is the
leading engineering GIS platform for creating and managing spatial data. The software
bridges CAD and GIS by providing direct access to data, regardless of how it is stored,
and by enabling the use of AutoCAD tools for maintaining geospatial information.

AutoCAD Map 3D bridges the gap between CAD and GIS by providing easy
access to data that used to be locked up in the GIS department

Autodesk Geospatial
Freedom and Flexibility

City and state agencies everywhere need to maintain maps and building
plans, as well as all the related information that goes with them. And agencies
need to publish all of this information to the web for interdepartmental and
public use. These agencies are looking for a fast, flexible way to deliver spatial
information to customers, internal teams, and other enterprise applications.

An advanced server-based platform, Autodesk MapGuide® software enables

organizations to deliver valuable spatial information or analysis tools over the web.
Agencies and organizations using MapGuide get maximum value from existing data, as
well as a reduction in the cost associated with the publication of spatial information.

Autodesk MapGuide delivers dynamic mapping and spatial content via the web.

Autodesk Geospatial
Open Integration

The growing need for openness and interoperability between traditional GIS
applications and mainstream IT systems, as well as integration with public or
private web mapping services, calls for seamless data access in native formats
and platforms. Without seamless data access, organizations face the inefficiency
and inaccuracy of having to translate data into the format supported by the
GIS or enterprise application to provide a shared, single view of the data.

In recent years, this challenge has become even more difficult. GIS users today have
access to geospatial data in a variety of relational databases and file formats, and via an
increasing number of web-based map services. Autodesk FDO Data Access Technology,
incorporated into all Autodesk Geospatial applications, provides the solution.

FDO Data Access Technology enables Autodesk Geospatial products and

enterprise applications work natively with spatial data.

Autodesk Geospatial
To make it easier for developers to extend the capabilities of FDO
Data Access Technology, Autodesk, in partnership with the Open
Source Geospatial Foundation™ (OSGeo™), has released FDO Data
Access Technology and the MapGuide Open Source project.

Developers all over the world can now tap into powerful web-mapping and
geospatial data access technology without the additional expense of legacy
middleware. The results are faster innovation of web mapping solutions, more
frequent software releases, and lower cost of entry and ownership.

Autodesk Geospatial
Power and Sophistication
As organizations grow, so does the need for a solution to create, manage, and share
spatial information both internally and externally. Extending the power of AutoCAD
Map 3D and Autodesk MapGuide, Autodesk® Topobase™ software is a sophisticated
infrastructure design and management solution that provides industry-specific
data models and workflows, and enables teams to share spatial information across
departments. In addition, it provides advanced functionality and tools, such as topology,
business rules, jobs (versioning), network analysis, and network tracing. Topobase
helps users see the big picture with an integrated view of all of their enterprise data.

With Autodesk Topobase it’s easy to answer questions such as How many and what type
of pipe, electrical pole, or manhole do I have? Which customers will be affected if I turn
off this valve or shut down this transformer? How many miles of paved streets do I have?

Autodesk Topobase extends the power of AutoCAD Map 3D and Autodesk

MapGuide, helping to ensure the quality of infrastructure data.

Autodesk Geospatial
Extend the Power

In addition to the core foundation, Autodesk has other applications and

extensions on top of the geospatial platform. These include AutoCAD®
Civil 3D® and AutoCAD® Raster Design software, as well as the
Autodesk® Buzzsaw® collaborative project management service.

Autodesk Geospatial enables organizations to seamlessly integrate civil engineering

designs into CAD and GIS workflows. Built on top of AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil
3D is a purpose-built civil engineering tool that uses a dynamic engineering model to
maintain intelligent object relationships to complete transportation, site development,
sewer, stormdrain, and subdivision projects faster. Make a change in one place and the
entire project updates instantly, increasing productivity, saving time, and decreasing
costs. In addition, AutoCAD Civil 3D provides the ability to export data to SDF format
files, which lets users quickly populate a spatial database with civil engineering data.

Many government agencies and utility companies still use hard-copy maps,
so the ability to scan and convert them into vector-based geographic data
is crucial. With Autodesk Raster Design organizations can manipulate
and edit raster images such as orthophotography and satellite photos,
as well as convert scanned legacy hardcopy maps to vector data.

Helping to ensure that accurate information is always available to everyone involved

in any infrastructure project, the web-based Autodesk Buzzsaw collaboration
environment streamlines the way teams manage and share information. Buzzsaw
makes it easier than ever to send out bids to contractors, as well as forward
design drawings to structural engineers, architects, and contractors—and to
get them back swiftly. It’s the ultimate toolset for project management.

10 Autodesk Geospatial
Autodesk Civil 3D, Raster Design, and Buzzsaw extend Autodesk Geospatial—
bringing in sophisticated model-based design, the ability to edit raster
images, and collaborative project management.

Autodesk Geospatial 11
Autodesk Geospatial Breaks Down
Barriers

Autodesk Geospatial enables organizations to fully harness the

power of their data by bridging the gap between engineering
and GIS departments and the rest of the organization.

From planning through design, construction, and maintenance,

Autodesk Geospatial delivers powerful data interoperability and a
fully integrated platform for managing spatial data assets.

12 Autodesk Geospatial
DESKTOP WEB

Asset Management
GIS/Planning

Topobase

Ma de
p 3D Gui
Map
Raster Design

DWF DWF
center
point

App Partner
App
Partner

Engineering Maintenance
Design Planning Operations
Customer Service
Au
to CA
D

Autodesk Geospatial
13
Conclusion

Today, tens of millions of people use some sort of CAD-based software,

with most using the industry leading AutoCAD software. These skilled
professionals are responsible for the design and management of the world’s
infrastructure. Autodesk Geospatial enables CAD-trained professionals to use
their powerful design tools to work directly with sophisticated GIS databases
and manage asset information directly within GIS using familiar tools.

Organizations that adopt Autodesk Geospatial solutions save time and money
almost immediately, greatly minimizing time-consuming data conversion,
error-prone data redundancy, and the loss of valuable engineering precision
that comes from managing data separately. This all leads to a reduction
in siloed information, while enabling organizations to manage and access
the most current data. Increased operational efficiency is the result.

Designed to bridge the gap between CAD and GIS systems, the components of
Autodesk Geospatial work together to break down the barriers around data, so that
organizations can design, manage, publish, and integrate spatial data more efficiently.
By adopting Autodesk Geospatial, organizations can build powerful solutions that easily
grow as the organization evolves, ensuring that spatial data is used to full advantage.

14 Autodesk Geospatial
Chapter 2:

The Geospatial
Value Chain
This chapter explains the five stages of
the Autodesk geospatial value chain.
These stages define how organizations
typically work with their geospatial
information. The five-stage model may
help you understand where you are
today and how you can extend the value
of your geospatial data going forward.
Stage One: AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT

Since it was first introduced, AutoCAD has been used by engineers and drafting
technicians to create maps. These CAD maps stored in DWG files have provided a viable
mapping solution for municipalities, public works departments, utility companies, and
many other organizations. Many of these organizations have migrated from paper-
based, mylar, or vellum files, and now store their infrastructure data in DWG drawings
on the desktop computer or in a file directory on a server. Data for individual assets
is often stored as blocks, along with the attribute data associated with them.

However, there are limitations to a system that uses a CAD program

such as AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT as the principal mapping tool:

 Only one user can access any particular DWG map.

 The maps have no geo-referencing information (coordinate system) assigned to them.

 AutoCAD does not import or export commonly used mapping formats, such as SHP.

If your organization is using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT but needs to

add spatial intelligence to the data, bring in data from other sources,
or allow multiple designers to edit the same data, you have outgrown
Stage 1 and may be ready to move to Stage 2 or Stage 3

A “traditional” way of working with DWG files as source data looks like this:

16 The Geospatial Value Chain

Stage One: A traditional way of using DWG files in AutoCAD
Parcels

Single user only

Sewers

Water pipes

Separate DWG files

Blocks with attributes

The Geospatial Value Chain 17

Stage Two: AutoCAD Map 3D

At this stage, CAD files are still used as the primary data source, but AutoCAD Map
3D is used as the application for creating and editing geospatial data. AutoCAD
Map 3D makes it easier for engineers, drafting technicians, and GIS specialists to
collaborate on projects and to share mapping information. Project teams can use their
AutoCAD knowledge and training while taking advantage of GIS tools and functions.

AutoCAD Map 3D provides specific functionality that is not available in AutoCAD:

 Multi-user access—Access DWG drawings at the same time.

 Work across tiles—Attach and query multiple DWG files,

which makes it easier to work with tiled data sets.
 Coordinate systems—Bring in DWG, GIS, and raster data with different
coordinate systems and have the data overlay properly.
 Drawing cleanup—Detect and fix geometric errors in DWG files.

 Import/Export—Bring in data from other departments and vendors and

combine it with data in your DWG files (for example, ESRI SHP).
Many customers who have invested in AutoCAD Map 3D use only the basic features listed
above and continue to maintain a large library of DWG maps. Data is stored as object data
or as links to an attached database, such as Microsoft® Access. The following illustration
shows a typical project with attached drawings, a linked database, and multiple users.

When your organization wants to extend its CAD information to more people and to
make use of additional mapping (GIS) capabilities, you may be ready to move to Stage 3.

18 The Geospatial Value Chain

Stage Two: Sharing data using AutoCAD Map 3D

Tiled grid

Multiple users

Attached DWG files

Linked database table

Object data

The Geospatial Value Chain 19

Stage Three: AutoCAD Map 3D + FDO

AutoCAD Map 3D provides data-access and data-management tools to make

the process of integrating different types of data easier. In particular, FDO
data providers and a consistent data-connect interface simplifies access and
management of multiple feature sources. With AutoCAD Map 3D, you can extend
your existing workflows and take advantage of efficiencies created through
geospatial tools and store some of your information in a spatial data store, such
as SDF. Also, you can augment your maps (DWG or other) by bringing in data
from a variety of formats, including free data sources, such as web services (WMS
and WFS). For more information about FDO technology, see What is FDO?

SDF (Spatial Database File) format can be very useful at this stage. SDF is an open
format for storing both geometry and associated attribute data. The SDF format is a
GIS-oriented alternative to DWG. SDF has some significant advantages over DWG:

 It stores and manages an order of magnitude more data than DWG.

 It is very fast, allowing Autodesk applications, such as AutoCAD Map 3D

and MapGuide (Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise and MapGuide Open
Source), to read and display tens of thousands of features per second.
 It provides the power of a database without the overhead and cost of a full relational
database management system (RDBMS), such as Microsoft® SQL Server™ or Oracle® .
 An SDF file can store a single feature class, or it can store
multiple feature classes. see What are features?
 It is easy to manage, providing access to the database schema. see What is a schema?
With AutoCAD Map 3D, you can extend the traditional reach of
DWG files and combine data sources with maximum flexibility. This
way of working with multiple data sources looks like this:

20 The Geospatial Value Chain

Stage Three: Accessing multiple data sources through FDO

Seamless data coverage

The Data Table shows

the attributes of features. SDF

The layers in the map come

from several different
data sources. SHP

Raster

The Geospatial Value Chain 21

What Is FDO?
FDO Data Access Technology is Autodesk’s common geospatial data access platform.
FDO is incorporated into Autodesk Geospatial products, and is also available as a
standalone, open source technology for developers. FDO supports the creation of
data-store neutral applications and makes it easier to exchange information. The
underlying technology is based on open standards, so it eliminates many of the
difficulties commonly encountered when working with proprietary systems. Using FDO
Providers, you can connect directly to ESRI ArcSDE and SHP, Oracle, Microsoft SQL
Server and MySQL feature sources, as well as access public data sources via WMS and
WFS. You can also access data providers developed by the open-source community
using FDO. The result is that you can build a map using layers of data from many
different sources, while accessing all of those data sources in exactly the same way.

All FDO providers access data stored in data tables using standard database
concepts. An FDO feature source is any source of feature data that can be accessed
using an FDO provider. It can be a file, such as SDF or SHP, a relational database,
such as Microsoft SQL Server, or it can be middleware, such as ArcSDE. These
feature sources can contain a single feature type, such as parcels, or they may
contain a complex data model with multiple features and attribute tables.

When you organize and classify your data, and use FDO Data Access Technology,
you can work with much larger data sets than you can with traditional DWG files.
Classifying data and storing it in an FDO feature source also gives you more flexibility
when styling your data, allowing you to move beyond basic CAD maps to advanced
cartography and presentations. In a DWG file, style is a property of the AutoCAD
object. However, data stored in an FDO feature source does not have any styling.
Styling is separate from the data. This means you can use the powerful style engine,
shared by AutoCAD Map 3D and MapGuide, to create different maps with different
representations of the same data. For example, you can reorganize layers, change
colors, use transparency, and theme features based on their attribute data.

22 The Geospatial Value Chain

FDO providers and feature classes in AutoCAD Map 3D

AutoCAD Map 3D with Data Connect open

List of FDO providers

Feature class

The Geospatial Value Chain 23

What Are Features?
In the map shown in Stage Three: AutoCAD Map 3D + FDO, the data is not stored
as plain geometry—points, lines, and polygons, plus attributes—but is stored
as features, which are real-world objects combining spatial and attribute data,
such as roads, parcels, and rivers. The diagram on the facing page gives a quick
overview of the concept of features, in case you are not familiar with them.

The features in your map could be stored in an Oracle database, a SQL Server database,
an SDF file, or a web feature service (WFS). Or it could be stored in all of the above.
Unlike in earlier versions of AutoCAD Map 3D, you do not have to import SHP files and
SDF files. You can work with data in its native format without translation or import/
export. Multiple users can access the same data, which reduces data redundancy
and allows sharing of information with other organizations and applications.

Each layer in Display Manager refers to a single feature class. These are not the
traditional AutoCAD-style layers, used to organize objects in the DWG file, but
“geospatial” layers, which are used to organize and style features. For example, in the
illustration for Stage Three: AutoCAD Map 3D + FDO, which shows a map of the city
of Redding, California, there are six layers: one each for parcels, parks, roads, rivers,
creeks, and the city boundary. Each layer is styled using a common styling interface.
Layers that have associated attributes can also be themed, using the same interface.

Features generally have attribute data associated with them. This data can be
viewed and edited with the Data Table, which is a tool similar to the Data View
tool that you may be familiar with. The difference between the two is that Data
View shows the content of database tables that have been linked to objects in the
DWG file, while the Data Table shows the attribute data that is a part of the feature
and that is stored with the geometry. No attaching or linking is necessary.

24 The Geospatial Value Chain

A map consists of features, arranged in layers

Data is stored in the database or

file as “feature classes,”
equivalent to database tables.
Each feature is a row in the table.

Hydrants
Valves
Streets
Pipes
Basemap

The Geospatial Value Chain 25

What Is a Schema?
Spatial data that is stored as features in a database does not organize itself.
Feature classes and attributes must be defined before any features can be
added. This definition of the database content is called a schema.

A schema is a structure that describes the organization of feature classes

in the data store. In simple terms, each feature class has its own table in
the database, and each attribute or property has a column in a table.

For more information about schemas, such as how to view and modify them,
see the section Organizing and Managing Geospatial Data in Chapter 3.

26 The Geospatial Value Chain

Schemas, feature classes, and database tables

Schema

Electric Schema name

Poles Feature class
ID Properties
Name

Material

Install_date

Transformers Feature class

ID Properties
Name

Type

Install_date

Database tables

Poles Feature class

ID Name Material Properties

0001 WP001 wood

0002 WP002 wood Features
0003 WP003 wood
0004 WP004 wood
0005 WP005 wood
0006 WP006 wood

The Geospatial Value Chain 27

Stage Four: Spatial Databases

Moving from Stage 3 to 4, you extend the use of your information. At this stage,
you start to make full use of relational databases. Stage 3 and Stage 4 are almost the
same, except Stage 3 is still a file-based environment (for example, based on SDF)
while Stage 4 is based on a relational database management system (RDBMS). If you
are already at Stage 3, it is very easy to migrate from SDF or SHP files to a full-scale
RDBMS, such as Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server. With AutoCAD Map 3D, you can
move from one type of database solution to another as your requirements evolve.
Any database schema can be translated into any other. You don’t need proprietary
middleware, so you are never locked into any one database or software vendor.

In Stage 4 you gain the benefits of:

 RDBMS security and scalability

 Multiple users reading and writing any information

 Sophisticated data models

You may find that you want to move up to a database after you have been using SDF or
SHP and have been in Stage 3 for a while. For example, you may have a lot more people
interested in, or dependent upon, the data. You may be wondering how you are going
to organize and manage the rules and security models for these additional people.
How will you scale a system that supports at present only ten people to hundreds or
even thousands more users? Stage 4 is based on the same data as Stage 3, but employs
more powerful software to meet the requirements of an expanded organization.

28 The Geospatial Value Chain

Stage Four: The power of a relational database

Schema Feature classes FDO Data Access Technology

AutoCAD

FDO
Map 3D

Data is stored as features in the

central database and is organized
according to the schema.
FDO

MapGuide

The Geospatial Value Chain 29

Stage Five: Topobase and Other
Applications

In Stage 5, GIS data and functionality is used across different departments and
applications. At this stage, mapping data becomes an integral part of the enterprise. GIS
data and functionality are woven into other systems, integrating with assessor databases,
permitting systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and more. Autodesk,
Autodesk partners and resellers, and system integrators can all help customers build
powerful solutions to meet specific business goals and manage specific workflows.

Data in an FDO feature source such as Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server, can
be used by many departments and enterprise applications. For example, If
your company already has a back-office system managing work-order and
asset records using an Oracle database, you can use AutoCAD Map 3D to
manage the spatial data and attribute data that goes with those records.

Your existing systems may connect data in an FDO feature source to data
or processes in a customer relationship management (CRM) or ERP system
and may not even generate a map. CAD and GIS do not always generate
output in map form. They can also provide data to an application server for
geospatial analysis (machine to machine or application to application).

Stage 5 is the stage of powerful solutions. Many Autodesk customers are already
operating in Stage 5, managing geospatial data in sophisticated databases and integrating
with other enterprise applications. Alongside AutoCAD Map 3D and MapGuide,
customers can deploy Autodesk Topobase, which makes this kind of powerful solution
easier to build and easier to manage by adding additional tools, such as business
rules, topology, long transactions, workflows, network analysis, and reporting.

Autodesk Topobase provides vertical applications to manage different types

of infrastructure, such as water, wastewater, and power. These individual
applications come preconfigured with industry-specific data models. The data
models capture relations between features. For example, the water module
manages features such as pipes, hydrants, and valves, the relationships between
those features, and all the underlying attributes relevant to those features. By
providing centralized access to spatial data and enhanced processes, Autodesk
Topobase improves the way vital tasks get done throughout organizations.

30 The Geospatial Value Chain

Stage Five: Geospatial data in the enterprise

Schema Feature classes FDO Data Access Technology

AutoCAD

FDO
Map 3D

Autodesk
Topobase

ERP
application
Oracle database

Autodesk
Topobase
FDO

MapGuide

The Geospatial Value Chain 31

32 The Geospatial Value Chain
Chapter 3:

Optimizing the
Workflow of
Geospatial Data
This chapter shows you how to use
AutoCAD Map 3D to manage spatial
data. The workflows in this chapter
demonstrate efficient ways to perform
specific tasks such
as editing objects in a central data
store or incorporating as-built
data into a central database.
Accessing Geospatial Data

Direct access to geospatial data natively stored in a database is an essential

requirement for operate-and-manage systems. The ability to use the design tools
provided by AutoCAD Map 3D to create and edit features managed in the central
data store provides many benefits. Design data coming from AutoCAD, AutoCAD
Civil 3D, or other programs, can be combined with additional geospatial data
coming from other geospatial sources (such as SHP, SDF, or Oracle). AutoCAD
Map 3D now provides, in a single application, all of the data integration, data
management, and create and edit functions necessary for organizations of any size.

AutoCAD Map 3D supports direct access to databases such as Oracle, ArcSDE,

Microsoft SQL Server, ODBC, and MySQL. In addition, there are also providers
for file based data stores: SDF, SHP, and raster. Finally, there are two providers
that support open standards by offering a direct connection to web services:
WFS (Web Feature Service) for vector data, and WMS (Web Map Service) for
bitmapped data. The complete list of providers/data sources looks like this:

 Oracle

 ArcSDE

 Microsoft SQL Server

 ODBC (for points)

 MySQL (on Windows and Linux)

 SDF (Spatial Database Format)

 SHP

 Raster (read only)

 WMS (Open Geospatial Consortium Web Map Service)

 WFS (Open Geospatial Consortium Web Feature Service)

In AutoCAD Map 3D, you create maps by adding layers in the Display Manager. Each
of the layers contains a single feature class, as shown in the following illustration.
All of the layers may come from the same data source or each layer may come from
a different data source. For example, the following illustration shows a map that
has several layers, each of which refers to a different feature source. However, each
layer is listed in the same way in Display Manager and is styled in the same way.

34 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Common interface for viewing attributes and styling layers

Layers are styled or themed here.

Layers are displayed here.

Display Manager
lists the layers
(feature classes).

Data Connect provides access to

all the supported data sources.
The Data Table shows
the attributes of each
feature class.

Of course, you can also use DWG files, either together with one or all of the
feature sources above, or by creating layers in Display Manager, as in previous
releases. For more information, see Using DWG Files As Data Sources.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 35

Workflow: Create and edit database features
This workflow shows how you would use AutoCAD Map 3D to edit and create features
that are stored in a central database. Here is a typical scenario for this workflow:

 Many engineers or mapping technicians are accessing the

same data, which is stored in a central database.
 A particular engineer needs to make changes to some
existing features, and also add some new ones.

36 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Create and edit database features

AutoCAD
Query features Map 3D Check-out features

Edit features

Create features

Check-in features

In AutoCAD Map 3D, the mapping or drafting technician queries features

in the area of the map to be edited. In this example, water mains and sewer
pipes are brought into the map, as well as the background parcels for
reference. The data is automatically styled as it is brought into AutoCAD
Map 3D, so that it appears with the appropriate colors and line weights.

The technician selects the pipes to be included in the editing session and checks them
out, using the new Check Out Features command (see the following illustration). This
action locks those features so that no one else can edit them—the type and level
of locking depends on the database or data store that the features come from.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 37

Create and edit database features 1

A query is made that includes the features to be edited.

The pipes to be edited are selected and checked out.

38 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

After the technician has finished editing the spatial and attribute data of the features,
he or she uses the Check In Features command to unlock the features and write
them back to the data store (see illustration 2, which follows). There are also new
pipes to add, so the Pipes feature class is selected in Display Manager. When the new
lines are drawn, they are automatically styled and added to the feature class as pipe
features. They are then saved to the data store and the edit and create operation is
complete. Because the data updates are made directly to the central data store, any
web applications that access the data stay current and reflect the latest changes.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 39

Create and edit database features 2

The pipes are edited, then checked back in.

The new pipes are added.

40 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Edit feature geometry directly in a SHP file using CAD tools

 Draft new features for an existing feature class

Workflow: Bring In Design Data from AutoCAD Civil 3D

This workflow shows how parcel and road data can be transferred from AutoCAD Civil
3D to AutoCAD Map 3D for data management tasks. The data is used to create features,
which are then added to the central database. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 A new subdivision has been built, and an engineer wants to pass the design data
to the mapping department so that it can be added to the existing parcel map.
 The mapping department needs to add tax assessment
data from a database to the new parcels.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 41

Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Bring in design data from AutoCAD Civil 3D

AutoCAD
Civil 3D

Export to SDF format

New features

AutoCAD
Existing features
Map 3D

Map properties

Copy new features

In AutoCAD Civil 3D, the engineer exports the parcel and road data to SDF format,
where it is stored as a set of features with attributes that AutoCAD Map 3D can read.
Using AutoCAD Map 3D, the mapping technician queries the parcel and road data
for the area of the new subdivision from the central database. In this case, the tax
assessment data is stored in a different database, so that data is queried as well.

42 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Bring in design data from AutoCAD Civil 3D

Roads and parcels are exported to SDF features.

New SDF features are combined with existing features.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 43

The mapping technician brings the SDF features for the new parcels and roads into
the map and checks that they are in the correct location. He then maps the parcel ID
property of the new parcels to the parcel ID property of the existing parcels, using the
Bulk Copy command in AutoCAD Map 3D. He saves the mappings to a file for future use.

The parcels are then copied to the database. In this process, they inherit all of the
fields in the original parcel records, including those for tax assessment. The mapping
department can then add the tax assessment data to the records for the new parcels.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Bring in parcel data from AutoCAD Civil 3D (second animation)

 Bulk copy from a SHP file to an SDF file

Workflow: Use existing features as a starting point

This workflow illustrates a situation that is the reverse of the previous
workflow. In this case, existing features are used as the starting point
for a new design. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 Engineers are laying out road alignments for a subdivision and

need to view where the existing infrastructure is located.
 At the same time, the mapping department is making adjustments
to the boundaries of some of the existing parcels in the area.
Here is the high-level flow diagram:

44 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Use existing features as a starting point

Query features

AutoCAD
As-built features Map 3D Save as DWG file

AutoCAD
Civil 3D

New design

Print or publish

In this example, AutoCAD Map 3D and AutoCAD Civil 3D are being

used in parallel to work on the data stored in the central database. The
mapping department queries the parcel map and brings in a set of parcel
features that need to be edited. The engineers work in AutoCAD Civil 3D
to design infrastructure, such as pipes, cables, and road centerlines.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 45

Use existing features as a starting point

Parcels are edited in AutoCAD Map 3D.

Parcels are
exported to DWG.

Road alignments are

completed in AutoCAD Civil 3D.

46 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

The mapping department completes its work on the parcels in the subdivision and
exports the parcel features in DWG format. The engineers read these features directly
into their designs in AutoCAD Civil 3D. When they have completed work on the road
alignments and other new infrastructure, construction documents are prepared.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topic
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Bring in parcel data from AutoCAD Civil 3D (first animation)

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 47

Using DWG Files As Data Sources

DWG files remain an essential part of the workflow of many departments. There
are basically three approaches to working with spatial data in AutoCAD Map 3D:

 Use DWG files exclusively, perhaps in conjunction with linked databases.

 Mix the two; that is, use DWG files as one data source among several or many others.

 Use feature sources (such as Oracle, SDF, and SHP)

exclusively without opening any DWG files.
If you use both feature sources and DWG files together, you have an environment that is
very flexible. You do not have to move all your data to features but can migrate to feature
sources as required by your workflow. You can keep whatever data you need as DWGs,
work with those files in AutoCAD Map 3D and selectively take advantage of the functions
in AutoCAD Map 3D that work exclusively with features, for example, the enhanced
performance for large datasets or the 3D grid-surface engine. One reason you may want
to keep data in DWG format is if you have a lot of annotation in your DWG files. The first
workflow in this section describes this kind of “mixed” DWG/feature-sources approach.

If you use feature sources exclusively, then you may want to convert geometry/
objects that you receive in DWG files to features, in order to have all your data in a
consistent format. Converting means saving DWG objects as features and assigning
them to existing feature classes. Migrating DWG objects in this way takes some
preparation and processing time. However, there are utilities that you can use to
speed up the process. The advantages of having all of your data stored as features in
a central data store have been discussed elsewhere in this book. The second workflow
in this section explains this process of converting DWG objects to features.

48 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Workflow: Combine DWG data sources and feature data sources
This workflow shows how layers created from attached DWG
files can be combined with layers created from feature sources in
the same map. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 A mapping technician wants to create a presentation

map of railway and road networks.
 State and district data is in SHP format, while the railway
and road network data is in DWG format.
Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Combine DWG data sources with feature data sources

DWG file

Add drawing layer

AutoCAD
Add feature layer Map 3D

Create map

In AutoCAD Map 3D Display Manager, the mapping technician adds new feature layers
that refer to feature sources in SHP format. Continuing in Display Manager, he themes
the state polygons in a neutral color scheme to provide the background for the map.
Also, he specifies that the district polygons are red and 50% transparent so that the finer
divisions of the district boundaries overlay the state polygons, but leave them visible.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 49

Combine DWG data sources with feature data sources

Polygon layers created from

feature sources.
Polyline layers created
from DWG sources.

50 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Having completed the background, the mapping technician uses the Map Explorer in
AutoCAD Map 3D to attach the DWG files that contain the road and railway network.
He adds DWG layers (drawing layers) for the finer network of railways and roads. These
drawing layers refer to one or more of the original layers in the attached DWG files. Any
data that is not on the DWG layers appears in the Map Base layer in Display Manager.

He then uses the Display Manager to add styles for the railway and road
polylines, styling them in a contrasting color so that they stand out from the
background. The map is then saved as a DWG file. The final DWG file therefore
acts as a “project” file that contains references to both the attached DWG
files and to the feature sources. The DWG also stores the queries to bring
in the road and rail networks as well as the styling applied to them.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Include AutoCAD layers in the Display Manager

 Theme by individual values

 Set transparency for parcels and other features

Workflow: Convert DWG objects to features

This workflow shows how objects can be taken from a DWG
file and converted to features, so that they can be added to the
central data store. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 A designer working for an electric utility company uses AutoCAD to draft

a design to supply electricity to a set of parcels in a new subdivision.
 A mapping technician receives the design in DWG format. She now wants to
add the new design to the existing electric facilities in the central database.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 51

Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Convert DWG objects to features

AutoCAD

Existing
DWG file features

AutoCAD
Map 3D

Cleanup DWG objects

Convert to features

Save as features

In this workflow, it is assumed that the mapping technician is familiar with the
schema of the central data store, that is, the feature classes that it contains, for
example, transformers, poles, and cables. (The Schema Editor utility in AutoCAD
Map 3D can be used to define and view the schema of any FDO data store.)

52 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Using AutoCAD Map 3D, the mapping technician queries the database to display
the parcels to which the design applies. She also creates a drawing layer (see
previous workflow) and displays the DWG objects that make up the new electric
design (shown in red in the following illustration). She checks the objects to
make sure they have no problems, such as overshoots or duplicates, and corrects
them if necessary, using the DWG cleanup utility in AutoCAD Map 3D.

Convert DWG objects to features

Existing parcel features

Objects are converted to features:

cable, handholes, transformers, etc.
Data Table is used to add attribute values.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 53

Using the Create Feature From Geometry command, she selects the individual
objects, such as lines and circles and converts them to features. For example,
the lines in the DWG are converted to cable features and the circles are
converted to handhole features. When the lines and circles are converted to
features, they automatically take on the properties of the features in the data
store, for example, cable type, material, and so on. The mapping technician
specifies the values for these properties during the conversion process.

This process of converting objects to features is easy when there are

relatively few objects, as in this example. However, if there are many
objects to be converted, you should export the DWG objects to SDF to
automate the process (see the next workflow in this section).

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Bring in a subset of features using a query

 Include AutoCAD layers in the Display Manager

 Clean up duplicates, gaps, and other accuracy problems

 Create new features from existing AutoCAD objects

Workflow: Export DWG objects to a GIS data store

This workflow shows how to export large numbers of DWG objects to SDF format, and
convert them into features at the same time. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 An engineer working for the transport deparment of a suburban city has been asked
to provide city data for inclusion in maps being created at the regional level.
 Technicians in the regional planning office collect transport
data from all the cities in the region and use the data to produce
detailed proposals for new transport infrastructure.
Here is the high-level flow diagram:

54 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Export DWG objects to SDF

AutoCAD
Map 3D

Export DWG to SDF

Other
SDF features features

AutoCAD
Map 3D

Style features

In AutoCAD Map 3D, the engineer opens the DWG files that contain the
data requested by the regional office. He then exports the DWG data to
SDF format, using the option to export specific AutoCAD layers. Each of
the layers becomes a feature class in the SDF file. Any attributes that are
stored as object data or in linked database tables are exported as well.

In the regional planning office, the mapping technician responsible for

developing maps for the regional transport plan opens the existing planning
map in AutoCAD Map 3D. Then, she uses the Data Connect dialog box
to bring in feature classes from the SDF file provided by the city.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 55

Exporting layers from a DWG file for use in a regional map

AutoCAD layers are exported to SDF format.

Each layer becomes a feature class in the SDF file.

The feature classes are brought into the regional map from the SDF file.
They are styled in Display Manager.

56 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Data from the city of Kawasaki, Japan, used by permission (Digital
map 2500, approval No.136 issued by The City of Kawasaki).

The features brought in from the SDF file are not styled, that is, they have no color,
lineweight, or other style properties assigned to them. The mapping technician
uses the Style Editor in AutoCAD Map 3D to style the new features according
to the cartographic conventions already established by the planning office.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Export data from the current DWG to a GIS data store (SDF)

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 57

Organizing and Managing
Geospatial Data

AutoCAD Map 3D lets you organize and manage data in a database or data
store by giving easy access to its schema. The Schema Editor utility allows
you to view and edit the structure of any schema in any of the data sources
supported by FDO (for the complete list, see Accessing Geospatial Data).

Although complete database schemas are typically set up by experienced database

administrators, the tools in AutoCAD Map 3D allow less experienced users to work with
a schema to perform essential tasks, such as creating a new schema with new feature
classes or to bulk-copy features from one schema to another. When you are connecting
to feature data to bring into your map, you can browse the schema of any feature
source, selecting only the feature classes you want to access. Using the Schema Editor,
you can also perform the following tasks on any FDO data stores and their schemas:

 Create a new data store in the supported FDO providers. This process includes
defining the schema, setting up feature classes, and setting up properties.
 Build a schema using an external program such as Microsoft Visio and
import it into FDO, using standard protocols such as UML and XML.
 Bulk-copy data from one database to another by mapping the properties
of the source database to the properties of the destination database.

Workflow: Convert one schema into another

This workflow shows how you can map the schema of one data
store into another schema and then transfer data from one data
store to another. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 An organization’s workflow is focused on a central Oracle database. However, spatial

data is received from other departments in various formats, such as SHP files.
 The mapping manager wants to set up a process in which data coming
into the department in one format or schema is converted into a standard
Oracle schema so that it can be edited in AutoCAD Map 3D and distributed
by Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise or MapGuide Open Source.

58 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Convert one schema into another

Data with AutoCAD

schema Map 3D

Bulk copy

Save mapping

Save to database

Using the Schema Editor utility in AutoCAD Map 3D, the mapping manager connects
to the SHP file and views the schema created by another GIS application (any data
brought into AutoCAD Map 3D by an FDO provider can be viewed in this way).

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 59

Convert one schema into another

Viewing a schema to check feature classes and properties

Mapping the properties of one feature class to

the properties of another feature class

Then, continuing to use the Schema Editor, the mapping manager maps the
feature classes and properties in the SHP schema to feature classes and
properties in the Oracle schema used by the central database. For example, the
SHP file may define data for poles as ID, NAME, MATERIAL, INSTALL_DATE,
while the Oracle database expects ID, Type, Material, Installation.

60 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

When the mapping is complete, the mapping manager uses the Bulk Copy
command to transfer the data from the SHP file to the Oracle database.
The mapping settings are also saved to a file for reuse in the future.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Bulk copy from a SHP file to an SDF file

Workflow: Notify neighbors within a certain radius of a parcel

This workflow shows how to use a buffer to select all of the addresses within
a specific radius of a parcel. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 The Public Works Department is planning to do some excavation and other work
on the infrastructure in and around a particular parcel in the center of the city.
 Letters need to be sent to the addresses of the people living within 500
meters of the parcel to notify them of the potential disturbance.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 61

Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Create buffer and join data

AutoCAD
Feature data Map 3D Address data

Create buffer

Join address data

Export to spreadsheet

In AutoCAD Map 3D, the engineer selects the parcel where the work will take
place and then creates a buffer zone around it. When she selects this buffer,
the parcels within this zone are highlighted in the Data Table. Although the
parcel ID and owner name are associated with the parcels, the full address
is not present. To get this information, the engineer joins the parcel data to
the address data, which is stored in the property assessor’s database.

62 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Create buffer and join data

A buffer is used to select

the parcels to be notified.

The address data is joined

to the parcel data.

The joined data is exported to a spreadsheet program

and used to provide the address for the notification letter.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 63

After the address data is in the Data Table, the engineer exports the records to a
spreadsheet, where a standard procedure will be used to generate the notification letter.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Select features by location using a buffer

 Join database tables

 Edit an existing schema (SDF)

64 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Handling Styles and Symbols

Features such as roads, parcels, or poles are generally stored in a database or data store
as raw geometry; that is, they are simply georeferenced lines, polygons, and points
(although they also have a non-spatial aspect, which consists of associated attribute
data). When you want to create a compelling map for publishing, you will almost always
want to style the raw feature data in some way. Styling is the process of assigning display
characteristics (such as line color, line pattern, fill color, fill pattern, and so on) to the
feature. In AutoCAD Map 3D, the style is actually applied to the layer and is stored as
part of the layer definition. The underlying feature data is not changed in any way.

You can save a lot of time by sharing layer styles that have already been defined
by other users for their maps and reusing them in your own maps. See the
first workflow in this section for an example of how this process works.

Another aspect of styling is theming, which is the process of styling

maps according to an attribute value, for example, creating a theme that
colors polygons representing districts according to their population.
(Theming is discussed separately, in Analyzing Geospatial Data.)

You can style or theme maps in AutoCAD Map 3D and then use Autodesk MapGuide
Enterprise or MapGuide Open Source to distribute those maps across your enterprise
or externally on the Internet. MapGuide recognizes the styles and themes that
you created in AutoCAD Map 3D; therefore, you do not need to reapply them
when you want to publish your work to a wider audience. Because AutoCAD Map
3D and MapGuide use the same FDO providers to access features sources, when
either program accesses those features in a layer that has styles defined for it, the
layer appears with the correct styling and theming. This allows you to create Web-
based applications in which edits to the central data are automatically reflected in
MapGuide and become immediately available to users of the MapGuide application.

Workflow: Share styles with other users

This workflow shows how you can create a set of styles for feature classes in
your map and then share those styles with other users so that they see the
features styled in the same way. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 65

 A mapping manager styles the layers in a map so that they follow certain standards
and conventions of color, line weight, appearance at certain scales, and so on.
 He wants to distribute those styles to the mapping technicians
on his team so that their maps are consistent.
Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Share styles with other users

AutoCAD
Feature data
Map 3D

Create styled layers

Save layers

.layer file

Using AutoCAD Map 3D, the mapping manager accesses the features that he
wants to style. In Display Manager, he creates layers for each feature class,
for example, parcels, street centerlines, and trees, and then uses the styling

66 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

interface to set default foreground and background colors for these features.

Some features should only appear when the map is zoomed in beyond a certain
threshold (these are called scale ranges). For example, in the illustration
below, at a scale of 1 to 30000, only parcels are visible. At 1 to 20000,
street centerlines are turned on, using a composite line style. At 1 to 10000,
trees are also turned on, using a symbol to represent the treepoints.

Share styles with other users

Styles saved for different scale thresholds: .layer file

1:30000, parcels only

1:20000, street centerlines,

buildings

Style definitions are packaged in layer

(layer definition file) format.

1:10000, tree symbols for points

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 67

When all the styles and the appropriate scale thresholds have been set up, the mapping
manager saves the layer styling information to a .layer file (layer definition file). This file
saves the style definitions as well as the paths to the data stores used by each layer. This
is all that AutoCAD Map 3D needs to recreate the map with exactly the same appearance.

When the map technicians drag and drop the layer files to their maps, they will see the
features styled with the conventions that have been established by the mapping manager.

In this scenario, the mapping technicians are all accessing the same data
stores. If the mapping manager wants to send the map to someone who
does not have direct access to the data, he can export the layer data to
SDF format and write it to a CD, together with the layer files.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Share styles using .layer files

 Exchange data with other users by exporting to to SDF format

68 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Analyzing Geospatial Data

Many AutoCAD Map 3D users do not have a need to do much geospatial analysis,
and so analysis tasks are often left to specialists. However, there are a few types
of analysis that most users perform fairly frequently. The most common of these
tasks is to create a thematic map. Most geospatial analysis involves creating a
thematic map of some kind. Whether you are interested in the property values
of a set of parcels, crime statistics in a neighborhood, or the year of installation
of telephone poles, the workflow is very similar in all cases: you query spatial
data and attribute data from the same source or from multiple sources, and then
use the values of the attribute data to change the display characteristics of your
map. The thematic map that results from this process gives you new information,
allowing you to see patterns or trends that would not be visible in any other way.

AutoCAD Map 3D has always had powerful query tools for working with the
content of DWG files. The addition of FDO providers has extended the scope of
those tools and made a much wider range of data available for query directly into
the program. You can use complex spatial queries with location-based criteria
or SQL statements to find exactly the data you want from the data source. The
styling and theming functions of Display Manager in AutoCAD Map 3D have
been redesigned to make them easier to use and more flexible. If you are creating
thematic maps for distribution over an intranet or on the Internet, you can publish
maps directly to MapGuide Enterprise or MapGuide Open Source. A web page
and the tools to interact with the map are generated for you automatically.

Workflow: Create a thematic map for web distribution

This workflow shows how a typical thematic map is created in AutoCAD Map 3D and
how it can be quickly published to a website. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 A mapping technician has received a request to produce a set of maps

analyzing the level of literacy by gender in every district of the country.
 The maps should also be made available for viewing on a website.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 69

Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Thematic map with Web distribution

File-based data

AutoCAD
Attribute data Map 3D Web-service data

Link attribute data

Create thematic map

MapGuide
Publish
application

The mapping technician locates a SHP file containing the district data and brings it
into AutoCAD Map 3D. She then goes to the national census website and downloads
a database file of the literacy figures by district. She uses the Data Table in AutoCAD
Map 3D to view the properties of the district data to find an appropriate key field
to link the district data to the literacy data. The district name is the best field for
linking the data. Finding the names of the districts in the spatial data source and
the attribute data source to be slightly different in a few cases, she uses the Data

70 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Table to change the names of those districts in the spatial data. She then imports
the SHP file into AutoCAD Map 3D and joins the spatial data to the attribute data.

Thematic map with Web distribution

Theme definition

Theme property
(displayed in
Data Table)

Publish to MapGuide

Legend showing theme

Default web page

created for the map

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 71

In Display Manager, she creates three maps, one for each theme: female
literacy, male literacy, and total literacy. Using the Publish to MapGuide
command, she sends the maps with their themes to the MapGuide server.

Using Autodesk MapGuide Studio, she views the maps and uses another simple process
to create a set of default web pages. Each web page has a framework that includes tools
for zooming and panning around the map, as well as a legend explaining the theme
ranges. These pages require only a little work to prepare them for wider distribution.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Bring in a subset of features using a query

 Join database tables

 Publish a completed map to a MapGuide server

72 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Incorporating Raster Images
and Surfaces

Modern cartography often makes use of surfaces to give a realistic effect to the
landforms used as background imagery, especially in maps covering large areas.
Such maps have a subtle three-dimensional quality that is very appealing, and they
also convey an accurate impression of the terrain. AutoCAD Map 3D provides the
tools to create these kinds of maps, with support for raster surfaces and draping.

AutoCAD Raster Design is an extension to AutoCAD Map 3D that contains tools

for data preparation or editing. Typically, you would edit and prepare raster files in
AutoCAD Raster Design and then build your presentation map in AutoCAD Map
3D. Both programs use common raster file formats to facilitate data sharing.

For example, AutoCAD Map 3D can read grid-based raster surfaces

that have been clipped or resized in AutoCAD Raster Design, such as
DEM, DTED, and ArcGrid. After you have placed a surface in AutoCAD
Map 3D, you can manipulate it further using several functions:

 Exaggerate the vertical scale relative to the horizontal to emphasize the relief.

 Color the surface according to elevation, using a color ramp or predefined palette.

 Analyze the slope and aspect of the surface.

 Drape vector features or raster images on the surface.

 Generate contours.

It is also common practice to drape a raster image on a surface to create a visual effect or
to show how the underlying terrain corresponds to the surface features. It is also useful
to be able to drape features, such as roads, onto the surface so that they can be viewed
in 3D. A 3D view can give a useful perspective on civil engineering projects and can serve
as a starting point for creating realistic presentation maps, models, and flythroughs.

The following illustration shows some examples of how surfaces

and raster images can be used in AutoCAD Map 3D.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 73

Surfaces and raster images

DEM surface with hillshading DEM surface themed by elevation

Raster image draped on a surface Vector features draped on a surface

False-color Landsat image Composite of Landsat and DEM

74 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Workflow: Build a 3D map using surfaces and raster images
This workflow shows how a realistic three-dimensional map can
be created with a combination of surfaces, raster images, and
vector features. Here is the scenario for this workflow.

 A company is making a series of online maps of the

trails of the Western United States.
 The maps are intended for viewing in three dimensions
to show the relative difficulty of each trail.

Build a 3D map using surfaces and raster images

DEM surface

AutoCAD
Feature data Map 3D Raster image

Style DEM surface

Place raster image

Drape features

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 75

Here is the high-level flow diagram:

In AutoCAD Map 3D, the map author creates a layer and brings in a DEM
surface. The DEM surface by default is black and white, and looks flat. He
styles the surface by coloring it according to elevation using a standard
palette. He also applies hillshading, which is an effect that makes the surface
look like it is being illuminated by the sun. The map author then places a set
of raster images of scanned topo maps on the surface and drapes them.

When the surface and raster images are in place, he queries the trails from
an SDF data store and styles them with appropriate scale thresholds—
thicker lines for closer views and finer lines when the map is zoomed out.
The map is then ready for testing by viewing in three dimensions.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Color a surface by elevation and adjust hillshading

 View a site in 3D

 Drape raster and vector layers over a surface

76 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Build a 3D map using surfaces and raster images

DEM surface of
Tiled raster images
terrain
Features for trail routes

3D view of trails draped on the terrain

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 77

Publishing Geospatial Data

All of the hard work that goes into creating designs and maps is usually done so that
the map can be published in some way and distributed to those who will use the map
(its end users). Publishing geospatial data from AutoCAD Map 3D has two aspects:

 Publishing to a hard-copy format that end users can print or plot.

 Publishing to a Web-based format that end users can view and interact with.

Publishing therefore means packaging the data together with all of the styling,
formatting, and layout that make up the complete design or map product. Also, the end
users need to have the appropriate software to view and print the map. In the case of the
Web-based format, the published map is sent to the MapGuide server, where it can be
read by the client programs: MapGuide Viewer and Autodesk MapGuide Studio. For an
example of publishing to MapGuide, see Workflow: Thematic map with web distribution.

Using the Publish To MapGuide command in AutoCAD Map 3D, you can save all the
layer styles as well as the references to the features sources used to build the map.
Because AutoCAD Map 3D and MapGuide use the same FDO providers for data access,
the map will appear in exactly the same way in both programs. For more about style
sharing with layer definition files, see Workflow: Share Styles with Other Users.

For hard-copy printing and plotting, AutoCAD Map 3D benefits from the robust
layout, plot setup, and DWF publishing functions of the underlying AutoCAD
application. Both the Publish To DWF command and the Publish To PDF command
support multi-page layouts. The Publish To DWF command also has an option to
enable layer and property control in the DWF file. This means that the recipient of
the DWF file can view the properties and the layers that were in the original map.

A third output option is the map book. Map books are often used by mobile work
crews in the field. The convenience of having a book of easy-to-manage sheets that
covers the entire work area helps crews to complete their work orders in a timely
fashion. The system works even better if the map books can be automatically
refreshed on a regular basis from the most up-to-date data in the central data store.

Workflow: Publish for print or plot

This workflow shows how a presentation map is prepared for publishing
in various output formats. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

78 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

 A mapping manager needs to prepare a series of maps that show
state population data, plus an overview map of the state.
 Output is required as a series of sheets ready for plotting , and
also in map book format for the convenience of field staff.
Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Publish for print or plot

File-based data

AutoCAD
Database data Map 3D Web-service data

Make presentation map

PDF file DWF file Map book

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 79

The mapping manager puts together the map from various sources,
including a central database, web services, and DWG files. He themes the
feature data using population attribute data obtained from the census
bureau. He then produces a series of thematic maps. (For a more detailed
workflow about thematic mapping, see Analyzing Geospatial Data).

Using layout mode in AutoCAD Map 3D, he creates a set of large-

size sheets suitable for wall display when they are plotted.

The mapping manager saves the layouts to three different formats:

 Autodesk DWF—DWF is a format that faithfully reproduces the layout and allows the
recipient of the DWF file to review it in the free DWF viewer. The recipient can mark
up and make comments directly in the DWF file. The DWF file can be published with
georeferencing information to enable applications such as integration with GPS.
 Adobe PDF—He also saves the sheets to PDF, which is another
standard format for optimizing print quality.
 Map Book—He uses the Map Book utility in AutoCAD Map 3D to
create a map book that breaks the larger sheets into smaller tiles that
can be easily printed on an office printer. Mobile workers will then
have a book of indexed pages that they can use in the field.
For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topics
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Create a map book with appropriate-scale tiling

 Produce a multi-sheet DWF file for a map book

80 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Publish for print or plot

Multi-sheet layout
in Autodesk Map

Multi-sheet DWF file

Multi-sheet PDF file

Mapbook with predefined tiles

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 81

Distributing Geospatial Data

The MapGuide technology is a popular platform for developing Web-based applications

because of its performance, ease-of-use, and speed-of-deployment. MapGuide exists
in both an open source version (called MapGuide Open Source, which is supported by
the community) and a commercial version (Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise, which is
supported by Autodesk). Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise and MapGuide Open Source
are the successors to Autodesk MapGuide 6.5. They perform the same functions
as Autodesk MapGuide 6.5, but they have a new architecture in which application
development occurs on the server side rather than on the client side. The new
MapGuide is also designed to run on Linux servers as well as on Windows servers.

Access to source data in MapGuide is handled through the same FDO providers
used by AutoCAD Map 3D, which means that the two programs work well together.
Many organizations already use AutoCAD Map 3D and Autodesk MapGuide
together, with both applications accessing the same central data store. The goal of
most of these implementations is to automate the distribution of data to end users
across the organization, including field workers. There are examples of this type of
implementation in Chapter 4, Common Business Problems and Their Solutions.

The process of developing a Web-based application generally involves the following steps:

 Plan the application, determine the target users for

the application, and design its functions.
 Load the source data to the server (the data could be features, raster
images, DWG objects, or any combination of these types of data).
 Build layers that reference, style, and theme the data.

 Create maps by combining layers.

 Place the map on the Internet or intranet using a default web layout.

 Develop the full functionality of the web application, using

the API (Application Programming Interface).
 Test the web application.

 Deploy the completed application to its end users.

82 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Workflow: Create a Web-based application
This workflow shows how the various components of Autodesk
MapGuide Enterprise or MapGuide Open Source are used to develop
and deploy an application. Here is the scenario for this workflow:

 The GIS coordinator, CAD Manager, and city manager of a municipality

agree to develop a pilot application to provide online maps of the city
infrastructure with basic searching and reporting functions.
 Their goal is to have a “proof-of-concept” version of the
application ready for testing within two weeks.

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 83

Here is the high-level flow diagram:

Create a Web-based application

File-based data

Autodesk
Database data MapGuide Web-service data
Studio

Load data to repository

MapGuide
Viewer Code Web interface

MapGuide
Server

In the planning phase, decisions are made about the business process—how often
the data will be updated and who will be able to access it. Preliminary designs for
the interface and the user interaction are sketched out. While this is going on in
the information technology department, CAD technicians and GIS specialists are
preparing file-based data and feature data for use with the web application.

84 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

When the data is ready, Autodesk MapGuide Studio is used to load
the data to the MapGuide Server, where it is stored as resources in
the resource repository. In the illustration below, the tree on the left
shows the layers based on the data in the resource repository.

Create a Web-based application

Layers in the map

Properties of map
Preview of map

Search function
added by the
application

Autodesk MapGuide
Studio

MapGuide Viewer

Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data 85

Autodesk MapGuide Studio is also used for styling the layers, building the maps,
and creating a basic framework for the maps, called a web layout. The map can now
be viewed in a web browser using MapGuide Viewer. Once this web framework is
in place, the map is “Internet-ready”. The remaining time is spent in programming
to add the search and reporting functions for the prototype application.

For an animated demonstration of steps in this workflow, see the following topic
in GIS Skills for Engineers (available on the AutoCAD Map 3D Help menu):

 Publish a completed map to a MapGuide server

86 Optimizing the Workflow of Geospatial Data

Chapter 4:

Common
Business
Problems and
Their Solutions
This chapter contains examples
of solutions to particular business
problems, as implemented by a wide
range of Autodesk customers.
Government

This section presents problems and solutions from government and public works.

Managing raster-based drawings

The Public Works Department of the city of Tacoma, in Washington, USA,
had several problems to solve when they implemented a departmental
geospatial solution. One of the most pressing was integrating about
75,000 paper construction drawings into the system.

A central part of the department’s workflow is AutoCAD Raster Design, which is

an extension of AutoCAD Map 3D that is dedicated to managing and editing raster
images. Autodesk Raster Design is often used, as in this case, to vectorize and clean
scanned paper drawings. This is how the City of Tacoma gets its as-built construction
data into the central data store. Engineers create construction drawings in Autodesk
Land Desktop. The drawings are then digitized in AutoCAD Map 3D/Raster Design.
Then, AutoCAD Map 3D is used to write the data to the Oracle Spatial database.

88 Common Business Problems and Their Solutions

City of Tacoma: managing raster-based drawings

Autodesk Autodesk
Survey Raster
Design

Survey data Vectorize data

Autodesk AutoCAD
Land As-built data Map 3D
Desktop

Cleanup data

Autodesk
MapGuide
application

Another significant aspect of this solution is the distribution of the scanned

construction drawings by means of an Autodesk MapGuide application, which
runs on the city’s website. Property developers and other members of the public
can search the entire collection of drawings online and access the ones that are
relevant to their projects. The following illustration shows the search page and a
sample drawing from the website (http://govme.cityoftacoma.org/govme):

Common Business Problems and Their Solutions 89

City of Tacoma: managing raster-based drawings

Search page with selected drawing

Drawing displayed for viewing and printing

90 Common Business Problems and Their Solutions

The Utility and Telecom Industries

This section presents problems and solutions from different types of utility companies.

Example solution #1: Mapping system

This example contrasts the old and the new mapping systems used
by a telecommunications company in California, in the USA.

With the old system, a team of over twenty drafters used AutoCAD Map 3D to
draw distribution areas for the telephone network on top of satellite photographs
that showed the location of parcels and buildings. They only used a few functions
of the program: some of the CAD drafting tools and georeferencing to place
the photos. When the drafting was complete, the geometry was saved to SHP-
file format and emailed to a small GIS team in another part of the country.

The GIS team then read the SHP files into a GIS application and added the
connections and dependencies necessary to link the new objects with the
existing network topology. The data was then saved in an ArcSDE database.
This process took about two weeks from initial drafting to final storage in
the database. The old workflow is shown in the following diagram:

Common Business Problems and Their Solutions 91

Telecom company: old mapping system

Satellite photos

E N G I N E E R I N G D E P T.
AutoCAD
Map 3D

SHP files

G I S D E P T.
GIS
application

Add topology

The new system is much simpler and easier (see the following diagram). In this
configuration, the drafting team, still using AutoCAD Map 3D, accesses the ArcSDE
database directly to make additions to the network. The GIS team also accesses the

92 Common Business Problems and Their Solutions

data directly to create and manage the topology. There is no longer any transfer
of files by email. The process using the new system takes only a few hours.

Telecom company: new mapping system

Satellite photos

AutoCAD
Map 3D

GIS
application

Example solution #2: Managing as-designed and as-built data

This example shows how a water utility company uses AutoCAD Map 3D
with custom code to match as-designed drawings with as-built data. The
workflow used by this utility company is shown in the following diagram:

Common Business Problems and Their Solutions 93

Water utility: managing as-designed and as-built data

Customer drawings

AutoCAD
Map 3D As-built redlines

Oracle

Run custom routine Delete unnecessary objects

Cleanup queried objects

Move as-designed lines to

Run custom routine
as-built GPS points

Generate callouts and

Run custom routine
notes on map

Print for inspection

94 Common Business Problems and Their Solutions

The sequence of events shown in the workflow diagram begins when the design for new
water service has been drawn and stored in the database, and construction is under way.
When construction is 85% complete (at the redline stage), the process of converting the
design into the GIS system is initiated. The utility company uses a number of custom
routines, which have been programmed using the AutoCAD Map 3D APIs. These
routines are run at certain points to process the spatial data, as shown in the diagram.

Data in the area of the project is queried into AutoCAD Map 3D, and the first
routine is run to delete any objects that are not needed. Redline data, including
GPS points, is also brought in, and the second routine is run to compare
and move the as-designed linework to match the as-built GPS points.

The original customer construction drawings in scanned TIFF-file format are brought in
at this point to serve as a background. A third routine adds callouts and other notes to
the map. A copy is then printed for inspection and review. Once the review is complete
and signed-off, the data is taken to be “as-built” and is saved to the database.

Example solution #3: Work order management

This example focuses on one part of an enterprise-scale data management
system implemented by First Energy, of Akron, Ohio, in the USA:

Common Business Problems and Their Solutions 95

First Energy: work-order management

SAP
application

Geospatial
Mobile server
workforce application
application

Oracle
AutoCAD
Map 3D

Autodesk
MapGuide
Application

Run extract routines

Outage Millsoft Locate

management electrical services
analysis

Before adopting an Autodesk solution in 1996, First Energy designers and construction
crews relied on paper-based data to fulfill their work orders. During the transition
to a database system, roomfuls of paper maps and records were converted to
digital format and stored on seven IBM AS6000 servers. Today, when a request
for a new electric service is received, the SAP work order management system

96 Common Business Problems and Their Solutions

generates a work order that includes all the relevant geospatial information.

After the preliminary design of the facilities that will supply electricity to the new
buildings is complete, the new information flows directly into the central database
(Oracle Spatial). Oracle’s versioning and long-transaction features allow engineers
to track the stage of the design as it progresses through approval and construction
to the as-built stage. Integration with the SAP customer information system means
that designers can obtain customer data without having to query other databases.

The company operates a mobile field force with 8000 trucks to handle the
construction and maintenance work. A routing application running on Autodesk
MapGuide allows work crews to access the maps and records they need, with
the assurance that the information is up-to-date. The application also allows
employees in the field to update the central database directly with as-built
information or to redline maps to alert the designers to potential problems.

Example solution #4: Asset management with automated distribution

In this example, a large European water utility company has deployed the
Topobase application, which is an infrastructure data management solution for
utilities, municipalities, and engineering firms. Topobase adds a layer that provides
functions such as topology, job tracking, and long transactions to the Oracle
database. It works directly with AutoCAD Map 3D and Autodesk MapGuide.

Common Business Problems and Their Solutions 97

Water utility: asset management

Operate/manage Operate/manage

Topobase Topobase
modules modules

AutoCAD Create/edit Autodesk Publish/

Map 3D MapGuide distribute

Topobase topology, long transactions, metadata, etc.

Oracle

98 Common Business Problems and Their Solutions

Water utility: asset management

Asset data in
AutoCAD Map

The same data in Autodesk MapGuide

Attribute data for a hydrant is being edited in AutoCAD Map 3D (upper screen
capture). The lower screen capture shows data for the same hydrant displayed in a
web browser using the Autodesk MapGuide Viewer. This particular implementation
allows editing of the data in MapGuide as well as in AutoCAD Map 3D. Because
both AutoCAD Map 3D and Autodesk MapGuide share access to the central
Oracle data store, the data is updated in real time so that anyone working in
the office or in the field always sees the latest updates. Locking mechanisms
ensure that no two people can edit the same data at the same time.

Common Business Problems and Their Solutions 99

Other Industries

This section presents problems and solutions from companies

in other industries besides government and utilities.

Property Management
The company in this example is a large equipment manufacturer that uses AutoCAD
Map 3D and Autodesk MapGuide for a property management application that
covers some 50 of their campuses, with 25,000 employees, worldwide.

The company uses Oracle 9i/Spatial as the central data repository for this
application. They also employ Oracle Property Manager, linked to the
Oracle database. As part of the transition to a central data store, one of
their objectives was to get rid of the thousands of DWG files that they had
to manage separately, and instead store all their spatial data in Oracle.

100 Common Business Problems and Their Solutions

Manufacturing company: property management

Oracle
AutoCAD Property
Map 3D Management

Create/edit spatial data Create/edit attribute data

Oracle

Autodesk
MapGuide
Author Assign offices, etc.

Autodesk
Theming MapGuide
Application

AutoCAD Map 3D is used to create and edit geometry (mainly boundary

objects representing facilities and offices) and to add global coordinates.

They use FME Workbench (from Safe Software) to convert and store the

Common Business Problems and Their Solutions 101

DWG geometry in Oracle. The database is then accessed by Oracle Property
Manager, where all the attribute data is input and edited (office numbers, who
occupies them, and so on). This attribute data is then fed back into Oracle.

Autodesk MapGuide also accesses the Oracle database. Autodesk MapGuide Author is
where all the styles/theming is applied (is the office occupied or vacant, what business
unit/cost center does the occupant belong to, and so on). They do this in Autodesk
MapGuide so that they can apply the same theming across all the various campus maps.

Autodesk MapGuide is also used by end-user business managers to view, analyze, and
change office assignments. The Autodesk MapGuide application also provides an easy-to-
use web interface with which the end-users can search, analyze, and make reassignments
for their office space. Eventually the company also plans to link in a work order
management application, such as Maximo, to manage any office moves and changes.

In this implementation they have clearly differentiated between AutoCAD

Map 3D as the geospatial data creation tool and Autodesk MapGuide
as the primary publishing and analysis tool for end users.

102 Common Business Problems and Their Solutions

Chapter 5:

Sample Maps
This chapter contains some examples
of maps created with AutoCAD Map
3D and other Autodesk software.
Maps Using Surfaces

State of Washington relief map

To create this map, AutoCAD Map 3D was used to import GIS data for vector
points and polylines. A USGS base map (1:500,000) was scanned full size and
correlated with AutoCAD Map 3D for verification of features. The rendering
of the terrain was accomplished using USGS DEM files and a program called
Surfer (by Rockware). High resolution images were generated and then
correlated and rubber sheeted (slightly) to match existing vector points.

Yosemite trail map

This map is composed of a USGS topo map in raster format overlaid on
a DEM file. The DEM file has been colored by elevation in feet. The trail
polylines come from Digital Line Graph (DLG) vector files, also from the
USGS. The text heading and other details were overlaid in layout view.

Marin County land use map

This map shows land use in Marin County, California, using data from the National Land
Cover dataset. NLCD is a nationwide classification scheme for land use, consisting of
raster images in which each pixel represents 30 meters. The NLCD data has been overlaid
on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) file to show the main relief features of the county.

Indian subcontinent wall map

In this map, the background relief is provided by a small-scale DEM file from the U.S.
Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation & Science (EROS) satellite program.
The original black and white DEM surface has been colored (themed) by elevation.

104 Sample Maps

Sample Maps 105
106 Sample Maps
Sample Maps 107
108 Sample Maps
Thematic Maps

Literacy in India
This map shows literacy rates by district, using data from the 2001 census of India.
The three themes: female literacy, male literacy, and total literacy are created
as separate maps, using Display Manager in AutoCAD Map 3D, but they all refer
to the same feature data, which contains the polygons for the districts.

USA geology map

This map is a large format wall map of the geology of the 48 states, with an inset map
showing California fault lines and major earthquakes. The map combines SHP and SDF
features. USA state boundaries come from the Navteq datasets in SDF format that are
included with AutoCAD Map 3D. SHP files for the geology and earthquake data were
downloaded from the National Atlas (United States Department of the Interior).

New Mexico land ownership and population

This set of maps was created from data posted on the U.S. Census website. The
feature data for the counties, urban, areas and census tracts was converted from
the Tiger format to shape files and then imported into AutoCAD Map 3D. Shape
files for the Federal and Indian landholdings were obtained from the USGS website.
Table data for the population maps was extracted from the SF3 census format,
edited in Microsoft Excel and then saved as a Microsoft Access database. The
database tables were then linked to the feature data in AutoCAD Map 3D.

Sample Maps 109

110 Sample Maps
Sample Maps 111
112 Sample Maps
Sample Maps 113
Maps Using Raster Images

Deforestation in Chiapas, Mexico

These two maps are based on Landsat shortwave infra-red satellite photographs, taken
at 30-meter resolution (each pixel is 30 meters square). This type of image is sometimes
called “false-color,” because the original image has been enhanced to show the contrast
between different densities of vegetation (see the legend at the left of the map). Compare
the image taken in 1990 with the image of the same area taken ten years later, in 2000.
The overall coloration of the 1990 image is much greener than the picture from 2000.

Landsat mosaic
This map shows a mosaic of satellite images of the USA. The Landsat imagery is on
a NASA web server, which is linked directly to the map. There is a lot of detail in
the Landsat image layer, which is not visible at first. As you zoom into the map, the
image displays more and more detail by streaming new data from the web server.

New Orleans
This map overlays data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) on a map of the city of New Orleans to show the area that
was flooded in September, 2005, following Hurricane Katrina.

114 Sample Maps

Sample Maps 115
116 Sample Maps
Sample Maps 117
118 Sample Maps
Glossary
This chapter defines terminology
used in this book.
as-built
Data that depicts the final installed configuration (physical or functional). As-built
data incorporates any field markups on the original construction drawings.

as-designed
Data that depicts the original plan for construction or installation, for
example, the design for a new electric service or a new pipe installation.

attributes
Tabular data that describes the characteristics of a feature, for example, the number
of lanes and pavement-type belonging to a road feature. See also feature, property.

AutoCAD layer
A layer in AutoCAD. An AutoCAD layer differs from the map layers you create in
Display Manager. See also drawing layer, feature layer, layer, surface layer.

Autodesk MapGuide Studio

The MapGuide component that handles all aspects of collecting and preparing
geospatial data for distribution on the Internet (except custom coding).

blocks
In AutoCAD or AutoCAD Map 3D, compound objects that have been saved for reuse in
the drawing or in multiple drawings, for example, a North arrow. In Autodesk MapGuide
Studio, blocks are converted into symbols when they are loaded. See also symbol.

buffer
A zone of a specific radius created around a selected feature. Used to
select features within a specific distance of another feature.

constraint
In a database, a restriction specified for a certain feature class, which
is validated when a new feature is added to that class. For example, a
“minor road” feature class may have a constraint that specifies that the
speed attribute must always be 25, 30, or 50 miles per hour.

credentials
The user ID and password needed to connect to a database.

data store
In FDO, a collection of feature classes contained in a single data storage location. The
data store consists of an integrated set of objects, which are modeled by classes or
feature classes defined within one or more schemas. Data stores can be either file-
based, such as SDF, or a database, such as Oracle Spatial. See also FDO provider.

120 Glossary
Data Table
In AutoCAD Map 3D, the FDO-based grid that allows you to view and edit attributes
of selected FDO features, perform searches, and work with selection sets.

DEM
Digital Elevation Model. A file that contains a representation of surface
terrain. The surface is stored as a grid in which each cell can have any one of
several different meanings, such as elevation, color, density, and so on.

Display Manager
In AutoCAD Map, the component that handles the organization of
layers and the styling and theming of features in a DWG file.

DTED
Digital Terrain Elevation Data.

DWF
Design Web Format. An Autodesk file format for sharing 2D, 3D, and spatially-
enabled design data. See also georeferenced DWF, Design Review.

Design Review
The free viewer and editor for the DWF file format (formerly DWF Viewer).

DWG
Drawing file. The Autodesk file format for storing 2D,
3D, and spatially-enabled design data.

draping
The process of overlaying a set of features or a raster image on a surface
so that the features or the image reflect the underlying terrain.

drawing layer
A layer in Display Manager that contains drawing objects from a DWG
file. See also AutoCAD layer, feature layer, layer, surface layer.

drawing source
In AutoCAD Map, a drawing source is a drawing (DWG) file and also
its associated information, such as attached drawing files, drawing-
based feature classes, linked template data, and topologies.

drive alias
In AutoCAD Map, the mechanism that points to the
folder where attached DWG files are stored.

Glossary 121
exaggeration
See vertical exaggeration.

expression
An automatic calculation used to specify values for feature labels. For
example, you might create a text expression that specifies a state name and
population for a label. To express the population in millions, you might apply
a number expression that divides the population value by 1,000,000.

FDO
Feature Data Objects. An Autodesk software standard and general
purpose API for accessing features and geospatial data regardless
of the underlying data store. See also feature, feature class.

FDO provider
An implementation of the FDO API that provides access to data in a particular data store,
such as an Oracle or ArcSDE database, or to a file-based data store, such as SDF or SHP.

feature
An abstraction of a natural or man-made real world object. A spatial feature
has one or more geometric properties. For example, a road feature might be
represented by a line, and a hydrant might be represented by a point. A non-
spatial feature does not have geometry, but can be related to a spatial feature
that does. For example, a road feature may contain a sidewalk feature that
is defined as not containing any geometry. See also attributes, FDO.

feature class
A schema element that describes a type of real-world object. It includes
a class name and property definitions. Commonly used to refer to a set
of features of a particular class, for example, the feature class “roads”
or the feature class “hydrants.” See also FDO, property, schema.

feature layer
A layer in Display Manager containing features from a feature source such
as SDF, ESRI SHP, or ArcSDE. Feature layers are brought in using Data
Connect. See also AutoCAD layer, drawing layer, layer, surface layer.

feature source
In AutoCAD Map, a feature source is any source of feature
data that has been connected by means of FDO.

generalization
A method of reducing the number of vertices in the source data by a specific percentage.

122 Glossary
hillshading
The addition of shading to a surface to suggest three-dimensionality, shadow,
or degrees of light and dark. Hillshading adds shading by casting the sun’s
light across a surface from the direction and angle you specify.

georeferenced DWF
A DWF file published by AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 or AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008
that contains a global coordinate system and defined latitude and longitude
coordinates based on the WGS84 datum. See also DWF, Design Review.

join
A relationship that is established between attribute data and feature sources
for the purposes of creating a new view of the data or for ad-hoc analysis.

label
Text placed on or near a map feature that describes or identifies it.

layer
In AutoCAD Map or MapGuide, a resource that references a feature source
or a drawing source. The layer contains styling and theming information, and
optionally a collection of scale ranges. In AutoCAD Map 3D, a layer of data
in your map that you add using Display Manager. Specific types of layers in
AutoCAD Map 3D are drawing layers, feature layers, and surface layers.

.layer file
Layer definition file. In AutoCAD Map 3D, a file that saves all of the
information needed to recreate a layer, that is, the references to
the source data and the styles that have been applied to it.

LIDAR
LIght Detection And Ranging. A remote-sensing method that
can be used to generate an image of a surface.

long transaction
A single atomic unit of changes to a data store. A long transaction allows an operation
in a database, such as an edit/update, to be tracked over an indefinite period of time,
for example during the process of creating and updating a design in the database.

map
A collection of layers displayed within a consistent coordinate system and extents.

map book
In AutoCAD Map 3D, a publishing option that divides a map into tiles

Glossary 123
and formats them into pages with a legend and an index/key.

MapGuide
A software platform for distributing spatial data over the Internet or on an intranet. Exists
in two versions: Open Source, which is supported by the community (www.mapguide.
osgeo.org) and Enterprise, which is supported by Autodesk (www.mapguide.com).

MapGuide Server
The MapGuide component that hosts the MapGuide services and responds
to requests from client applications through TCP/IP protocol.

MapGuide Viewer (DWF Viewer)

The version of the MapGuide Viewer component that is based on a
Microsoft ActiveX Control and has full support for the DWF format.
It works with the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser only.

MapGuide Viewer (AJAX viewer)

The version of the MapGuide Viewer component that does not need a
download (also known as “zero-client viewer”). It works with Microsoft
Internet Explorer, running on Windows, or with browsers such as
Firefox on other operating systems, such as MacOS or Linux.

MapGuide Web Server Extensions

The MapGuide component that exposes the services offered by the MapGuide Server
to client applications over the Internet or on an intranet using HTTP protocol.

metadata
Data about data. In the GIS context, metadata consist of information
about geospatial data sets. Metadata are usually stored in a separate
text or xml file that accompanies the data source. The purpose of the
metadata is to describe the essential characteristics of the data set.

OGC
Open Geospatial Consortium. A non-profit, international, voluntary
consensus standards organization that leads the development of standards
for geospatial and location based services. (www.opengeospatial.org)

OSGeo
Open Source Geospatial Foundation. A foundation created to support and build the
highest-quality open source geospatial software. The foundation’s goal is to encourage
the use and collaborative development of community-led projects. (www.osgeo.org)

property

124 Glossary
A single attribute of a class. A class is described by one or more property
definitions. For example, a Road feature class may have properties called
Name, NumberLanes, or Location. See also attributes, feature class.

query
In AutoCAD Map 3D, executable statements that retrieve specific
objects. For example, a layer-based query that displays only the objects
on the layers that contain state and district boundaries.

reference point
For a symbol, the point that controls the position of a symbol over a feature
in a map. The default reference point is the center of the symbol.

resource
In MapGuide, a feature source, drawing source, or application component
that is stored in the resource repository and can be reused and shared.

resource repository
In MapGuide, an XML database that stores the resources created
either by loading file-based data or by connecting to databases.

schema
The definition of multiple feature classes and the relationships between them.
A schema is the logical description of the data types used to model real-
world objects, and does not reference the actual data instances (a particular
road or land parcel). Rather, it is metadata. See also feature class.

SDF
Spatial Data File. An Autodesk format for storing both geometry and associated attribute
data. The SDF format is a GIS-oriented alternative to DWG. Each SDF file can contain
multiple feature classes or types of data stored in tables with attributes and geometry.

SDF 2
The native file format for Autodesk MapGuide (the last release was Autodesk MapGuide
6.5). Each SDF 2 file contains one type of data, for example points, lines, polygons, or text.

sheet
In a DWF file, a plot layout containing a specific view of the original data.

site
The collection of servers that process MapGuide requests.

Site Administrator
A Web-based application, installed with MapGuide

Glossary 125
Server, for managing a site and its servers.

Site Explorer
The tree view in Autodesk MapGuide Studio that displays
the resources stored in the resource repository.

spatial context
The general metadata or parameters within which the geometry for a
collection of features resides. In particular, the spatial context includes the
definition of the coordinate system, spheroid parameters, units, spatial
extents, and so on for a collection of geometries owned by features.

Spatial Data File

See SDF.

style
In AutoCAD Map 3D or MapGuide, pre-defined style elements stored
in the Display Manager, for example, a polygon style that makes parcel
polygons 50% transparent and which appears at a scale of 1:50000.

styling
The process of assigning display characteristics (such as line color, line pattern, fill color,
fill pattern, and so on) to a feature (points, polylines, polygons). See also theming.

surface layer
A layer in Display Manager containing a raster-based surface such as a Digital Terrain
Model (DEM), an ESRI Grid file, or Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED). A surface layer
is brought in using Data Connect. See also feature layer, drawing layer, AutoCAD layer.

symbol
A bitmap or vector image that is used to represent a point.

symbol library
In Autodesk MapGuide Studio, a collection of related symbols. Image
files are converted into symbols when they are brought into the symbol
library. The symbol library is stored in the resource repository.

theme
In AutoCAD Map 3D, pre-defined thematic elements stored in the Display Manager,
for example, a theme that colors district polygons according to their population.

theming
The process of styling features according to an attribute value. See also styling.

126 Glossary
task pane
In Autodesk Map 3D, the area of the interface that contains
Display Manager, Map Explorer, or Map Books.

topology
A set of relationships between lines, points, or centroids. The topology
describes how features connect and relate to each other, which forms the
basis for functions such as network-tracing and other kinds of analysis.

Topobase
An Autodesk data management solution for utility companies, municipalities, and
engineering firms. Autodesk Topobase consists of a set of industry-specific modules built
on AutoCAD Map 3D and MapGuide, all of which use Oracle as the central data store.

versioning
A database function that allows multiple copies of a spatial dataset to be
stored and tracked by date of creation, data of change, and so on.

vertical exaggeration
An increase of vertical scale relative to horizontal scale, used
to make elevation changes easier to differentiate.

web layout
A template for customizing the appearance of the MapGuide Viewer
and for specifying which toolbar commands will be available.

web surround
In Autodesk MapGuide Studio, the extra functionality that is automatically
built for a web layout, which resides outside of the map itself.

WebAgent
The component of the MapGuide Server Web Extensions that
processes requests and forwards them on to the server.

WFS
Web Feature Service. A web service based on the specification
defined by the OGC. Acts as a source of feature data.

WMS
Web Map Service. A web service based on the specification defined by the OGC.
Produces an image (for example, a PNG or JPG image) of geospatial data.

zero-client viewer
See MapGuide Viewer (AJAX viewer).

Glossary 127
128 Glossary
Index

A convert DWG objects and schema 26

accessing data workflow for 51, 54 from AutoCAD layers 55
workflows for 34 create and edit mapping properties 60
analyzing data workflow for 36 features
workflows for 69 create feature from converted from DWG 54
ArcSDE geometry 54 example of check-out 39
workflow using 91 migration options 48
as-built data what are they? 24
and as-designed 93
D file based data stores 34
data sources
from paper maps 88 FME Workbench
list of 34
asset management used in workflow 101
Data Table
example solution for 97
compared to Data View 24
attached DWG files
example of 51
used to edit data 70 G
DEM files georeferenced DWF 80
attribute data
used in workflow 73 GPS points
and SDF files 20
digitized paper maps 88 used in workflow 95
associated with features 24
Display Manager
AutoCAD Civil 3D
Base Map layer 51
as-built workflow 41
used to create themes 72
H
new-design workflow 45 hillshading example 76
distributing data
AutoCAD layers
workflow for 83
export to GIS format 55
AutoCAD Map 3D
draping J
explanation of 73 join database tables 62
and raster images 73
drawings, paper 88
database flexibility 28
DWF, publish to 78
AutoCAD Raster Design
DWG files
L
solution using 88 layer file
and features 48
used to prepare data 73 used to share styles 68
compared to SDF files 20
Autodesk Geospatial 2 layers
optimal way 20
Autodesk MapGuide Studio creating maps with 34
workflows for 48
used to create maps 72 DWG and feature 49
DWG objects
used to load data 85 layers, AutoCAD
converting to features 48
automate DWG export 54 and feature classes 55
export to GIS format 54

B E M
Base Map layer 51 map books, publish to 78
electric utility
buffer MapGuide
example solution for 95
workflow for 61 open source version 82
workflow example 51
bulk copy publish to 72
engineering GIS 2
workflow for 44 Server repository 85
exaggerate vertical scale 73
sharing styles with Map 78
export to SDF 42
used to build maps 72
C used with Topobase 99
check-in, check-out 39
civil engineering
F Viewer, showing map 85
FDO workflow for 82
as-built workflow 41
what is it? 22 maps, creating 34
new-design workflow 44
FDO data stores maps, sample
clean up drawing
schema editor for 58 thematic maps 109
paper maps 88
FDO providers using raster images 114
used in workflow 53
for Map, MapGuide 78 using surfaces 104
color mapping a surface 73
list of 34 mobile field force
contours, generating 73
feature classes example solution for 97

Index 129
N new-design workflow 44
notification workflow 61 surfaces
sample maps 104
workflows for 73
O
open source MapGuide 82
organize, manage data T
workflows for 58 telecom company
old and new workflow 91
theming
P polygon example 49
parcels
sample maps 109
as-built workflow 41
workflow for 69
new-design workflow 44
Topobase
PDF, publish to 78
in the enterprise 30
performance
solution using 97
of SDF files 20
transparency
printing and plotting 78
theming example 49
property management
example solution for 100
providers W
list of 34 water utility
Public Works Department 88 as-built example 93
publishing data asset management in 97
workflows for 78 Web-based application
publish to MapGuide 72 developing 82
workflow for 83
web services
R providers for 34
raster images
sample maps using 114
sample maps 114
workflows
solution for managing 88
asset management 97
workflows for 73
convert DWG to features 51, 54
redline data
create and edit features 36
used in workflow 95
DWG and feature data 48
export DWG to SDF 54
S import from Civil 41
scale ranges managing paper maps 89
what are they? 67 mapping system (new) 93
schema mapping system (old) 92
what is it? 26 notify neighbors 61
workflow for 58 property management 100
SDF publish for print 78
as data store 125 schema editor 58
exported from Civil 3D 42 share styles 65
exported from DWG 54 start new design 44
SHP files thematic map 69
and ArcSDE 91 use raster images 75
workflow using 71 Web-based application 83
solutions web distribution 69
government 88 work order management 95
other industries 100 work order management
utility and telecom 91 example solution for 95
Spatial Data File 20
styling
Map and MapGuide 78
polyline example 51
workflows for 65
subdivision
as-built workflow 41

130 Index