AutoCAD Integration

I used ArcGIS Pro 2.9.3 to solve this problem using geoprocessing tools of “Feature Class to Feature Class” and “Feature to Polygon”. There are two data files provided by the class, which are the CAD Masterplan file and an orthophoto file that covers the NCSU campus area.

To achieve the goal of georeferencing, I first input the orthophoto file into ArcGIS and ensured the projection system was “NAD 1983 (NSRS 2007) StatePlane North Carolina FIPS 3200 (US Feet)”. Then I added the AutoCAD dataset into ArcGIS and moved the layer to be aligned with the orthophoto using “Move to Display”, “Move”, and” Scale”. I also used the “Add Control Points” tool to continue refining the alignment between the two layers.

In order to convert the CAD file into geodatabase feature classes, I first used “Feature Class to Feature Class” to export the features from the CAD file to geodatabase for layers that are only either polyline or polygon. These layers are streets (from polyline), sidewalks (from polyline), streams (from polyline), and lakes (from polygon). The building layers include polyline layers of existing buildings and future buildings and polygon layers of existing buildings and future buildings. I then used “Feature to Polygon” to integrate all four layers as well as transform polyline features that can be converted to polygons. Similarly, I used “Feature to Polygon” to integrate and transform the two layers of athletic fields from both polyline and polygon data. The required 6 layers were then saved under a file geodatabase.

Converting CAD files into geodatabase feature classes is a handy skill for processing different kinds of data into ArcGIS. A possible scenario would be creating a geodatabase file for a future improvement plan of a historical park.

Problem description: As a GIS specialist, I am asked to integrate CAD files of war zones (previously unknown locations and now discovered being within the park) into a geodatabase feature class so that park managers can determine the locations of new exhibits of the war history.

Data needed: CAD file of war zones and an aerial image of the historical park from the National Historical Park database.

Analysis procedures: I will input the CAD file of war zones into ArcGIS and move the layer to be aligned with an aerial image of the park. The alignment will be based on the existing features of the park. I will also use “Add Control Points” to refine the alignment so that the new exhibits can be as accurate as possible in displaying the war zone. Then I will use “Feature Class to Feature Class” to export the war zone layer and integrate it with the existing feature class of the park.