Introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) for GIS Professionals explores the fundamental relationships between CAD and GIS systems, emphasizing their complementary roles in spatial data management. Students will learn to differentiate between CAD and GIS data models, file formats, and applications. The course focuses on practical workflows for converting and integrating data between CAD and GIS environments, maintaining spatial and attribute accuracy while adhering to industry standards. Through hands-on exercises and project work, students will develop critical skills in data conversion techniques, learn to effectively merge CAD and GIS data, and solve real-world spatial challenges.
Prerequisites: Acceptance to ADGIS Program
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Differentiate between CAD and GIS data models, file formats, and typical workplace applications
- Implement workflows for converting data between CAD and GIS formats while maintaining spatial and attribute accuracy
- Apply industry standards and best practices for CAD data creation and management within a GIS context
- Evaluate the quality and completeness of converted spatial data between CAD and GIS systems
- Design integrated solutions that leverage the strengths of both CAD and GIS capabilities to solve spatial problems
Teaching and Learning Approach
The course will include a mix of theory, discussion, demonstration, guided application, and independent lab time.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Orientation Week
2. Intro to CAD and class resources, basic drawing skills, introducing AutoCAD software
3. Creating Basic Drawings and Modifying Objects in AutoCAD
4. Organizing Drawings and Layers; CAD Standards
5. Incorporating Text, Tables, and Annotation
6. How to Create Layouts and Print Drawings in AutoCAD
7. Creating, Editing, and Using Blocks; External Referencing
8. Data Management in AutoCAD, Coordinate Systems & AutoCAD for ArcGIS , Midterm Review
9. Midterm
10. Midterm Review Current Trends in AutoCAD & GIS
11. Current Trends in AutoCAD & GIS
12. Conversion Between CAD and GIS: Layer Organization and Standardization
13. Conversion Between CAD and GIS: FME, Data Interoperability
14. Course ReviewAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Weekly Lab Assignments | 1, 2, 3 | 60% |
| Midterm Test | 1, 3 | 25% |
| Conversion Lab (x2) | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.