With tools for data capture and linking, data labeling, import/export of SHP files, polygon topology creation and analysis, and more, Carlson GIS 2009 is an awesome GIS “Swiss Army Knife” for the surveyor or engineer. See the Carlson GIS 2009 Improvement List.
Also included are hundreds of enhancements to basic AutoCAD commands. Part of the Carlson Civil Suite 2009, Carlson GIS 2009 runs atop any AutoCAD, including regular AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop or Civil 3D, versions 2000-2009, plus on IntelliCAD 6.5.
Built on AutoCAD: Runs in AutoCAD versions 2008 to 2000 as well as AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop and Civil3D and on IntelliCAD 6.4
Project Setup: Flexible data storage methods
Drawing Cleanup: Fix common drafting errors
Drafting Enchancements: 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
Annotation
Angle & Distance Labels: Flexible routines to label linework in all possible layout combinations plus available rules to automatically fix label overlaps and revise labels when entities move
Curve Labels: Label curve data in stack, along arc or in table
Survey Text: Routines to create typical plat labels such as offset and building dimensions
Label Elevations: Label spot elevations along an alignment
Linetypes: Draw special linetypes
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
Improvements
To see some of the feature improvements in Carlson GIS 2009, click here.
