Design

Using ArcGIS in Road Design

Many engineering organizations are advancing the concept of context-sensitive design, recognizing the many factors and multidisciplinary nature required for complex design. In order to extend context-sensitive design practices and to perform a broad range of analyses, engineers need several kinds of tools including databases, surface and hydraulic models, computer-aided design (CAD), and GIS.

Interoperability

ArcGIS Data Interoperability eliminates barriers for data sharing by providing state-of-the-art direct data access, transformation, and export capabilities.

ArcGIS: Engineered for Interoperability [PDF-607 KB, 16 pages]

Read how Bentley Systems, the developers of MicroStation®, and ESRI are collaborating to create an interoperability paradigm that "leverages the best of both worlds and does not ask the users to work with the lowest common denominator."

• Bentley/ESRI AEC–GIS Interoperability White Paper [PDF-233 KB]

Other ESRI Business Partners can assist with your CAD/GIS data sharing and interoperability needs.

• ArcGIS Used for Roadway and Site Design With Extensions From CEDRA—ArcNews, Fall 2003
• Safe Software
  • View a tutorial on Sharing Data Between CAD and GIS Environments
    [PDF-724 KB]
    Sample dataset [ZIP-208 KB]
• Heastead Methods

Below are some examples of where GIS can be used in the overall design process.

	Complement your GIS analysis by importing CAD system design files.
	This is from a conceptual design using GIS, courtesy of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

CAD Geoprocessing Model for the city of Coatepeque, El Salvador, created using ArcGIS 9 processing tools. Downloadable version [ZIP-5.28 MB]

Learn More

• Enterprise GIS Drives Maryland State Highway Administration—GISVision, December 2001 [PDF-281 KB, 4 pages]
• Massachusetts Highway Department Geodetic Control and Layout Plans Web Site