Adding CAD data to a map

A lot of data that ends up in GIS is often created first by engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects.  They will often use a computer-aided drafting or design software, commonly referred to as CAD. There are two major CAD applications, AutoCAD and Microstation, with several smaller competitors. These will generally produce files that are referred to as drawings.

ArcGIS Pro does allow you to add these drawings to your map. Once added, you can adjust display properties, perform queries, and even import the CAD data into your GIS data.

In this recipe, you will learn how to add a CAD file to a map. Once added, you will learn how to adjust some display properties. Later in Chapter 7, Converting Data, you will learn how to import CAD data into GIS.