AutoCAD Integration

Developing a geodatabase for future management of structural facilities in NCSU

Problem and Objective

The purpose of this analysis is to develop a geodatabase that contains some specific features that could be used for the future management of campus buildings and related facilities at North Carolina State University. Therefore, this analysis aims to further support and promote campus planning and facilities management. The following six feature classes will be considered as part of the features for the geodatabase: (a) Streets, (b) Sidewalks, (c) Streams/creeks, (d) Lakes/ponds, (e) Buildings (Existing and Future) and (f) Athletic fields. The data under consideration are AutoCAD-generated data.

Analysis Procedures

Strategies: This section explains the strategies adopted for this analysis. I used ArcGIS Pro (Version 2.9) software for the analysis. I used the following modules/tools for this analysis: Define Projection, Feature class to Feature class, Export feature tool, Feature to polygon tool, and Merge tools. I used the following data for the analysis: (a) a DWG file of AutoCAD data of NC State University Masterplan and (b) a JPG file of Campus Orthophoto Imagery. Lastly, I obtained the data from the GIS 520 Fall Semester class, NCSU, and NC OneMap of the 2017 imagery.

Methods: First of all, I added the Orthophoto of NC State to the map. I defined the projection of the orthophoto to the NAD 1983 using the define projection tool. I also changed the coordinate reference of the map to match that of the orthophoto. Then, I added the AutoCAD data to the defined coordinate map. Initially, I adjusted the color (symbology) of the features of interest for easy identification on the orthophoto. By selecting one of the features under one of the group layers in the DWG file, I georeferenced the CAD file classes using the move to display and move options to reposition the CAD features to their correct location on the orthophoto. I used the scale option to resize (enlarge a little) the CAD data. I added two control points (each with a source and target points) at two different locations on maps and the X and Y coordinates of these points were saved as a World file document using the Save as New button. From the content pane, I exported the existing-building and future-building polygons to the assignment geodatabase using the export feature tool. I also converted the polyline layers for the buildings to polygons using the Feature to Polygon tool. Then, I created a new file geodatabase and also a feature dataset named building saved in the new file geodatabase using the Create Feature Dataset tool. Using the merge tool, I merged the existing and future building polygons and the converted polyline features and both were saved in the building feature dataset. Using the feature class to feature class tool, I created and saved the creek/stream CAD data as a feature class in the file geodatabase. And finally, I added and saved the lake, sidewalks, athletic fields, and streets as a feature class under the file geodatabase using the feature class to feature class tool.

External Links: Merge tool, Georeference CAD data, Feature to Polygon tool

Workflow diagram of the analysis

Results

The map shows some of the georeferenced campus features which include streets, lakes, campus athletic fields, sidewalks, the existing and future buildings.

Application and Reflection

Problem Description: One of the fast-growing industries in the world is real estate. A family in Pisgah NC state decides to convert their big old-small estate into a modernized housing estate. The family intends to renovate some existing buildings and build some new structures which include houses, a pool, and other facilities. They already have the AutoCAD drawing of this plan showing all these structures within the estate boundary. The purpose of this analysis is to explore the CAD data provided and adequately place and geo-reference their location on a map for effective future planning and assess how individual houses could access the necessary amenities within the estate. The output of the analysis will be a file geodatabase showing (a) individual houses (b) Pools (c) green fields (d) roads, (e) streets, and (e) and other facilities.

Data Needed: The data needed include (a) an updated Orthophoto of the estate (b) an AutoCAD drawing of the estate plan (the existing structures and the proposed structures to be added to) the estate drawn to scale (c) a world file document.

Analysis Procedures: Firstly, I will define the coordinate system for the Orthophoto of the estate using the define projection tool. The projected coordinate system of the map layer will be changed to match that of the orthophoto. Using the move to display button and the move button, the CAD data will be placed appropriately to match the Orthophoto. Depending on the size of the CAD file that is often drawn to scale, the Scale option under the Georeprencing ribbon table in ArcGIS pro will be used to adjust for good alignment. Then, I will import the control points saved as a world file document to properly place all the features in their accurate positions. Depending on the feature types, the feature to polygon tool will use used to convert any polylines that are needed to appear as a polygon feature type. Additionally, I will explore the option of manual editing to close unclosed polygons in this analysis if necessary. I will create a new file geodatabase. Using the feature class to feature tool, the single features will be saved directly in the geodatabase. However, using the Create Feature Dataset tool, I will create feature datasets (in the file geodatabase) for all the features that have two or more categories (e.g existing and future). And finally, I will save each feature category in their respective feature datasets.

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