Redlands, California- A new class from ESRI will teach geographic information system (GIS) professionals the fundamentals of using computer-aided design (CAD) data in ArcGIS Desktop.

Working with CAD Data in ArcGIS Desktop will be offered January 21–23, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Pacific standard time). To register for the instructor-led Virtual Classroom course, visit www.esri.com/cadtraining.

CAD files, which range from simple 2D drawings to sophisticated 3D models, can be first-rate sources for geographic information system (GIS) content. Students will learn the concepts of how CAD data can be integrated within ArcGIS, the methods and best practices for working with native CAD data in ArcGIS, and how to convert CAD data to GIS data. They also will be taught options available in ArcGIS Desktop for converting GIS data to CAD formats.

     Upon completing the course, students will understand how to

• Control the visibility of CAD data.
• Change how CAD data is symbolized in ArcMap.
• Perform spatial queries to select CAD features in a drawing.
• Use CAD data within geoprocessing workflows. 
• Georeference a CAD file (create a world file).
• Define a coordinate system for CAD data.
• Translate CAD data into ArcGIS data formats.
• Create CAD drawings (AutoCAD DWG/DXF, Microstation DGN) from ArcGIS data.
• Update a geometric network with CAD data.
• Perform basic editing tasks to solve common CAD translation issues.

This course is designed for experienced ArcGIS users who need to integrate CAD data within ArcGIS. Experienced CAD users who have basic ArcGIS skills will also find the course beneficial. Students should have completed the course ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality or Learning ArcGIS Desktop or have equivalent knowledge.

For more information about ESRI Virtual Classroom, visit www.esri.com/virtualclassroom.