AutoCAD Map 3D is the leading engineering GIS platform for creating and managing spatial data. AutoCAD Map 3D 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 a broad variety of geospatial information.

Using Open Source FDO Data Access Technology, AutoCAD Map 3D natively accesses spatial data stored in relational databases, files, and Web-based services, providing easy management of large geospatial data sets while streamlining entire workflows.

The topics in this section describe what you can accomplish with AutoCAD Map 3D.

The Autodesk Feature Data Objects (FDO) Data Access Technology helps you work seamlessly on a variety of spatial and nonspatial databases and file formats natively, without the need for translation and risk of data loss. These data sources may contain a single feature type, such as parcel or street centerline, or may contain a complex data model with multiple features and attribute tables. AutoCAD Map 3D automatically resolves differences in scale and coordinate systems.

Add items such as the following:
? AutoCAD drawing objects
? Spatial features stored in a relational database, such as Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle® Spatial, and MySQL
? Features stored in a spatial data file format, such as an ESRI ®SHP or Autodesk® SDF file
? Features stored in middleware, such as ESRI® ArcSDE®
? Raster images, including DEM surfaces that show elevation
? Web-based images from WFS and WMS
? Attribute or point data stored in a spreadsheet or database that can be linked to drawing objects

Download pdf AutoCAD Map 3D 2008 Tutorials