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GIS Tech News (#84)

First Look Review: AutoCAD Map 3D 2010

Point group and multiple format importation help users who seek
to bridge the gap between CAD and GIS.

By Andrew G. Roe, P.E.

Autodesk bills its AutoCAD Map 3D product as one that bridges the gap between CAD and GIS. Other industry products come with similar claims, but Autodesk seems to have strengthened its assertion with Map 3D 2010. Incorporating some key new features and a more seamless environment that provides CAD and GIS tools in the same setting, Map 3D 2010 is a tool that can help multidisciplinary firms maintain continuity from mapping and planning to final design.

Built on top of AutoCAD, Map 3D provides full AutoCAD functionality along with a wide range of tools for creating and analyzing maps and other spatial data. As with other AutoCAD-based products, Map 3D 2010 uses the ribbon-based interface -- embraced by some, cursed by others, and destined to be used by most of us at some point. If you're not familiar with the ribbon, it replaces traditional menus and toolbars with a single tool strip divided into several tabs. Familiar icons and commands might seem to be missing, but you can find key features if you poke around a bit. And for those resistant to change, the AutoCAD Map 3D interface is customizable, even allowing you to restore the classic interface with familiar menus and toolbars. Read more »

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Andrew G. Roe is a licensed civil engineer and president of AGR Associates. He is also author of Using Visual Basic with AutoCAD, published by Autodesk Press.

Circles and Lines (AutoCAD Tutorial):
A PDF Wish Comes True!

By Lynn Allen

As I travel around presenting the latest release of AutoCAD, I find myself judging the new features by the response they elicit from the crowd. One thing is sure -- the new PDF enhancements in AutoCAD 2010 are a real crowd-pleaser! These new features are easy to understand, easy to conquer, and easy to find at the top of the AUGI wish list for many years.

We have been able to create PDF files from our AutoCAD drawings in the past two releases, but the ability to bring PDF files into AutoCAD has eluded us. AutoCAD 2010 not only allows us to print slimmer and smarter PDF files, but now we also can bring those PDF files into AutoCAD. A great big PDF wish has been granted! This month, I'll focus on the first half of this equation -- the improvements in sending AutoCAD drawing files to PDF format.  Read more »

Mark Your Calendar: GIS Events

ESRI Survey and Engineering GIS Summit
July 11-14, 2009
San Diego, California
During this four-day summit from ESRI, discover how to enhance core business practices and expand capabilities with ESRI technology for geospatial data management and analysis. Read more

GeoWeb 2009
July 27-31, 2009
Vancouver, B.C.
GeoWeb 2009, sponsored by ESRI and Google, focuses on the reciprocal impact of the web and geographic information, as well as the ever increasing need for collaboration in light of global economic and environmental concerns. Read more

Autodesk University 2009
December 1-3, 2009
Las Vegas, Nevada
Registration is now open for Autodesk University 2009. The annual AU User Conference and Exhibition brings together thousands of Autodesk users, instructors, and partners to learn and network. Read more 

Cadalyst's complete list of upcoming events is always available on our Web site. Our sister Web site, Geospatial-Solutions.com, also offers a full calendar of GIS-related events.

What's New at Cadalyst.com

3D Printer Buyer's Guide
Learn which questions to ask so you can choose the best possible 3D printer to meet your prototyping needs without overspending. Available free in Cadalyst’s Whitepaper Library to users who register.