If you just process points, coordinate transformations, alignments, etc., AutoCAD Map 3D is enough. The plain AutoCAD is not well suited for this type of jobs.

 

My employer is reponsible for maintaining a master site plan with all utilities for our client. Part of the requirement is to provide GIS reference data as output. Currently we are using Acad 2007 and existing data is not aligned to UTM. A survey contractor has provided survey data (surveyed utilities, point data) in .dwg format and overlay pdf's - we are required to update our master site plan with this data. When I manually overlay the survey drawing data there are huge discrepancies in layout, which means our original data is innaccurate.

 

My understanding is that we need to be using land development type software (Civil 3D or Map 3D) to be able to accurately use the surveyed data and provide geo/GIS referenced output. Or am I chasing a red herring - can I work with this data in Acad 2007?

 

In addition, we will require all future input (from other contractors) to be geo referenced/surveyed, for accuracy, no?

 

Are my assumptions correct? And if so, which software product is best suited - Civil 3D or Map 3D? I was leaning towards Map 3D, but the surveyor is of the opinion that Map is passe and Civil is the way to go. Any comments and assistance welcomed and appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Lauren