Inquiry on ArcGIS for AutoCAD Plugin’s Support for Utility Network Editing

HariYeruva

We are currently in the process of transitioning to the Utility Network and have identified a potential need to continue editing the Utility Network Model-based Assets via AutoCAD. We’ve come across this thread and the blog which mentions the latest version (430) of the ArcGIS for AutoCAD plugin now supports branch versioning. Could you confirm if this version fully accommodates editing the Utility Network?

In addition to general editing capabilities, we are particularly interested in specific functionalities such as the ability to add a new manhole or pipe using a template, leveraging Attribute Rule, and performing an Upstream Trace. If these functionalities are not fully supported in the current release, could you provide details on what specific Utility Network functionalities might be missing?

We noticed the above reply in which Randy mentioned that while the plugin can edit and work with web feature layers, there might still be gaps when it comes to fully supporting UN workflows. Could you provide more information on this and is there a roadmap for fully supporting UN editing functionality in future releases? 

MichaelDavidsonPM

Hi @HariYeruva, 

Thanks for reaching out as you transition to the Utility Network. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you're looking for additional info beyond the responses below so that your team can keep moving forward. 

Just as a note on what version is the most current, in May 2024, version 430.1 of ArcGIS for AutoCAD was released. 

Regarding: 

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Could you confirm if this version fully accommodates editing the Utility Network?

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Version 430.1 of ArcGIS for AutoCAD continues to support adding branch versioned web feature layers to drawings, creating named versions, and switching to existing named versions. So, while the recently added functionality is specific to branch versioning, we appreciate the feedback you included on which aspects of editing the Utility Network would best serve your workflows as we work toward future releases of ArcGIS for AutoCAD.

In addition to general editing capabilities, we are particularly interested in specific functionalities such as the ability to add a new manhole or pipe using a template, leveraging Attribute Rule, and performing an Upstream Trace. If these functionalities are not fully supported in the current release, could you provide details on what specific Utility Network functionalities might be missing?

Regarding templating: ArcGIS for AutoCAD supports templating workflows, whether through building up a DWT file or through templated feature layers, including creation of custom template feature layers. Here's a video that speaks to industry-specific template feature layers as well: https://mediaspace.esri.com/media/t/1_lfeph6ro/238781433. Please let us know though if this different from the functionality you were looking for with regard to templates. 

ArcGIS for AutoCAD does not currently support Attribute Rules or performing Upstream traces. The support for branch versioning was a first major step toward supporting industry workflows such as Utility Network in CAD.  We welcome feedback, from among the many aspects for supporting utility networks, which features would be of highest priority for your workflows.

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We noticed the above reply in which Randy mentioned that while the plugin can edit and work with web feature layers, there might still be gaps when it comes to fully supporting UN workflows. Could you provide more information on this and is there a roadmap for fully supporting UN editing functionality in future releases? 

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An item of note that we currently have in our roadmap, for a subsequent development cycle, is to add support for validation services. As noted above, we welcome additional feedback on which aspects of editing a utility network from within CAD would be of greatest need for your workflows.