GIS a Little C3D Makes the World Go Round—Using GIS Data for AutoCAD Civil 3D Predesign

Often engineers and designers are asked to provide preliminary designs for roadways, utilities, and infrastructure with minimal existing data. An advantage of using AutoCAD Civil 3D software for preliminary design is its ability to access and use data available through geographic information system (GIS). Before ground survey is available, you can retrieve surface data, political boundaries, roadways, and water feature information directly from GIS and reference it in to AutoCAD Civil 3D software. With the preliminary design complete, move straight into production once the ground survey and other data becomes available by swapping out the GIS data and using the design information generated in AutoCAD Civil 3D software.