Supported AutoCAD and MicroStation geometry

ArcGIS for Desktop uses semantic data modeling techniques to translate CAD data. The result is a structured representation of the geometry contained in the drawing file. Typically, one CAD feature class displays many qualifying CAD entities or elements. The following table identifies these entity relationships and lists the AutoCAD and MicroStation geometry types that are supported by direct-read CAD datasets.

NoteNote:

Content stored in AutoCAD paper space is not translated nor is it viewable in ArcGIS for Desktop.

CAD feature class

AutoCAD entity

MicroStation element

Annotation (point feature type)

  • The (CAD) justification property determines the point's location.
  • The text string is stored in the field named TEXT.
  • Symbols are rendered with equivalent ArcGIS fonts. The Arial font is substituted if an equivalent symbol is unavailable.

Text

Text

Multiline text

Block attributes defined as visible

Point

External reference

Block reference

  • The base point determines the point's location.
  • Attribute tag names are displayed as field headings in the attribute table.
  • Attribute values are translated as field values. Data types are assigned on the fly based on the contents of the field.
  • Geometry is displayed in the appropriate feature class type.

Cell header

Point

Polyline

3D face

Shape

3D polyline

Complex shape

Arc

Arc

Circle

Curve

Ellipse

Ellipse

Block reference (supported entities only)

Cell header

Line

Line

LWPolyline

Line string

MLine

Multiline

Polyline

Complex chain

Solid

Surface

Spline

Trace

Polygon

3D face

Shape

3D polyline (closed)

Complex shape

Circle

Ellipse

Ellipse

Block reference (supported entities only)

Cell header

LWPolyline (closed)

MLine (closed)

Polyline (closed)

Solid

Solid

Spline (closed)

Multipatch

3D face

3D polyline (closed)

Complex shape

Block reference (supported entities only)

Cell header

LWPolyline (closed)

MLine (closed)

Polyline (closed)

Solid

Solid

Supported AutoCAD and MicroStation geometry

Related Topics

6/20/2012