Interaction between dwg/dgn maps and ArcGIS Pro map

[JVitor02]

I would like to know if either of the two options below area possible between ArcGIS Pro and MicroStation:

- Is it possible to get a map in .dgn or .dwg and convert it to become a map in ArcGIS pro (Layout Map) that I could add different shapefiles, change legend, etc.

or

- Is it possible to save a map from ArcGIS pro, and export it as .dgn or .dwg file? 

If yes, I'd like instructions please.

I know it's possible to export shapefiles as dwg, and to import dgn/dwg into ArcGIS, but it comes as shapefiles only, even the map grids, text, scale bar, all as a feature in the map. I'd need to make that conversion with maps.

Thanks in advance!

[VenkataKondepati · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I’ve had to deal with this quite a few times, especially when working with engineering teams using MicroStation or AutoCAD and trying to bridge that with GIS workflows in ArcGIS Pro.

ArcGIS Pro handles CAD data pretty well when it comes to reading geometry (DWG or DGN), it doesn’t treat CAD drawings like full "maps" with layout elements. So, if you’re hoping to bring in a CAD map and use it like an ArcGIS layout (with legend, scale bar, title, etc.), you’re going to run into some issues.

You can definitely pull in the .dwg or .dgn file and overlay shapefiles on top of it — no problem there. But things like the scale bar, grid, north arrow, or any layout content just come in as plain graphics or annotation — not as layout components. I usually just recreate the layout in ArcGIS Pro using the Layout View.

Same goes the other way around. ArcGIS Pro doesn’t export the full layout as a DWG or DGN. You can export the data layers to DWG using the “Export to CAD” tool, but not the layout elements. What I usually do is export the layout as a georeferenced PDF and send that along with the DWG, so the CAD folks have both the data and a visual reference.

I know it is not simple and a manual process. Please let me know.

Regards,

Venkat