With tools for data capture and linking, data labeling, import/export of SHP files, polygon topology creation and analysis, and more, Carlson GIS is an awesome GIS “Swiss Army Knife” for the surveyor or engineer. See the Carlson GIS Improvement List tab below and be sure to check out our GIS Primer.

The Carlson line of software has 64-bit capabilities, is Windows 7 compatible, and works on AutoCAD® and comes with IntelliCAD built in.

Also included are hundreds of enhancements to basic AutoCAD commands. Part of the Carlson Civil Suite, Carlson GIS runs atop of regular AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop or Civil 3D, as well as legacy versions, plus on IntelliCAD.

Recent Improvements:

Import GIS Data From SurvCE

• New command to create GIS data links in the drawing from attribute data collected by SurvCE

Export GIS Data To SurvCE

• New command to create SurvCE files for feature code library, GIS feature definitions and GIS attribute data from selected drawing entities with GIS data, Field-to-Finish and GIS definitions

Esri MSC

• Added option to create Esri feature coding in DWG for sewer networks, lot files, mining timing and surface mine reserves

Export DWG File with Esri MSC

• Creates DWG with Esri coding for selected features

Define GIS Features

• Redesigned version of Define Template Database
• Added geometry setting per feature including polyline or point type, layer, color, block and linetype
• Added attribute settings for whether attribute is editable in the field and whether to restrict input to list values
• Added new report functions for feature attributes and geometry

GIS Query

• Added method to create selection set of entities that match query

Attach Image To Entity

• Added support for multiple images per entity

Properties Converter

• Added filter for linetypes

Features:

Built from the Carlson product line, first introduced in 1994, Carlson GIS  delivers a new level of powerful GIS automation, including the following features:

Standard Features

General

• Built on AutoCAD

  Runs in AutoCAD legacy versions as well as AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop and Civil3D and on IntelliCAD

• Project Setup

  Flexible data storage methods

• Drawing Cleanup

  Fix common drafting errors

• Drafting Enhancements

  Handy tools for working in AutoCAD such as Join Nearest, Shrinkwrap Entities, Polyline Utilities, Drawing Inspector, Layer Inspector and Twist Screen

• Data Compatibility

  Supports industry standard LandXML and scores of specific data conversions

GIS

• Runs with AutoCAD Map 3D

  All Map tools are available when running with AutoCAD Map plus additional commands to use Map data such as Label Object Data Areas

• Data Capture

  Extracts drawing text or block attributes into database

• Attach GIS Data to Entities

  Input, edit, label, inspect and report with simple tools, including querying for parcels or entities that meet conditions

• Polygon Processor

  Overlays layered polyline perimeters to create all the subareas

• Import/Export Esri

  Conversions between Esri Shape data and coordinates and polylines

Points

• Import/Export

  User-defined import and export of point data along with conversions with specific other formats

• Draw Points

  Draw points with settings for symbols, layers and styles

• Point Groups

  Point group manager to define sets of point by filters

• Coordinate File History

  Tracks all changes to points with report and undo functions

• Fix Point Label Overlaps

  Finds point label overlaps with rule options to fix automatically

• Point Tools

  Utilities for modify point labels such as move with leader, twist and resize

Companion Programs

• Carlson SurvCE

  Data collection for Windows CE and Pocket PC

• Carlson Field

  Take Carlson and AutoCAD to the field for data collection and stakeout with total stations and GPS

• Carlson Takeoff

  Construction Estimating for earthworks, subgrades, material quantities, strata quantities and trench networks

• Carlson Point Clouds

  Process laser scan data to generate models, breaklines and points

• Carlson Natural Regrade

  Design stable land surfaces that follow natural hydrologic and geomorphology principles

• Carlson Geology

  Models drillholes and strata structures and attributes