About migrating CAD data to the parcel fabric
This topic applies to ArcEditor and ArcInfo only.
A computer-aided design (CAD) drawing is a digital representation of a design or existing object. CAD drawings are typically file based and are used in professional disciplines such as engineering, architecture, surveying, and mapping. Many of them serve as legal documents that define real-world objects or a proposed plan. Others serve as data collection documents that are used in other systems such as a geographic information system (GIS). CAD drawings are a popular format for storing and exchanging vector-based spatial information.
The most common forms of CAD files can be directly accessed and viewed in ArcMap:
- AutoCAD DWG
- AutoCAD DXF
- MicroStation DGN
You can migrate supported CAD data files into the parcel fabric through the following methods:
- Converting the CAD file to a polygon and line feature class that can be validated in a topology. Topologically validated subsets of line and polygon feature classes can be loaded into the parcel fabric using the Load A Topology To A Parcel Fabric geoprocessing tool.
- Using the Import Fabric Data wizard once the CAD data has been formatted into a parcel fabric source.
- Pasting CAD lines into the parcel construction environment of the parcel fabric, generating parcels from the pasted line work, and joining parcels to the parcel fabric.
- Parsing CAD files into the parcel fabric XML format and appending the XML file to the parcel fabric.
When working with smaller CAD files, pasting the CAD lines as parcel construction lines, generating parcels, then joining the parcels to the parcel fabric is quicker and easier. When working with large CAD files, using the Load A Topology To A Parcel Fabric geoprocessing tool is recommended.