Community data

[TinaKwitkoski]

I am going to be working with a community that is just starting to put their CAD data into a GIS system and wondering what the best option would be for their utilities and water management areas. I was thinking of using the Canadian Municipalities data model OR the Utilities one but would like some advise. I also have land data to implement as well. Any help would be appreciated.

[larryzhang]

Tina, Sounds good idea with CMDM template, if ArcGIS is only an option to the city GIS system. By the way, what kind of formats are major CAD data? Before taking action, not bad idea to plan if those CAD data are fully functional with this CDMD template, even after converting into Geodatabase. Sometimes, you may be required to geo-reference those CAD data first... In fact, if most CAD data are in AutoCAD, please study and check if AutoCAD Civil Infrastructure GIS data models meet your needs...http://www.autodesk.com/industry/civil-infrastructure If most CAD data are in Microstation, please check if Bentley Utilities GIS Designer meet the requirements...http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/Bentley+Utilities+Designer/

[TinaKwitkoski]

Larry,

The data I will be getting is in AutoCAD, and not sure on the format. I will need to integrate it into ArcGIS format.

I have done this in the past for a small community 5 years ago but with all the changes, I think there would be a better way to convert the data and host the data. Just looking at my options. I have no real experience in infrastructure stuff just what I have learned along the way.

[larryzhang]

Tina,

If your CAD data are among AutoCAD formats, which will be converted into geodatabase (CMDM), the following tool/ product may help reach the goal effectively…

1.       Enable /purchase Data Interoperability Tools in ArcGIS. Please see the details at http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.2/index.html#/A_quick_tour_of_the_ArcGIS_Data_Interopera...

Of course, if CAD data are huge, outsourcing this conversion (contract to a professional Data Conversion Service Company) may be cost-effective …

Besides, on the requirements of city and community management (utility, water), you may study additional data model (ESRI Arc Hydo) with Aquaveo for groundwater… http://resources.arcgis.com/en/communities/hydro/01vn00000011000000.htm

[DonKuehne]

Esri's  free ArcGIS for AutoCAD application can allow you to establish and maintain ArcGIS data models in AutoCAD by simply exporting data from ArcGIS desktop or exporting data from ArcGIS web feature services.  Or better yet you can just edit ArcGIS web feature services with ArcGIS for AutoCAD if your workflows permit it.