CAD vs.

GIS

Fabian Guerrero 10/2007

What is the difference between
Graphical Interface Systems (GIS) and
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
anyway?
Overview:
GIS Description
GIS Examples
GIS File Extensions
CAD Description
CAD Examples
CAD Estensions
Data Layers Model
Summary
Conclusion
Questions?
GIS Description:
GIS is a computer system capable of capturing
(when paired with a GPS), storing, analyzing,
and displaying geographically referenced
information

The power of a GIS comes from the ability to

relate different information in a spatial context
and to reach a conclusion about this relationship

USGS: Graphical Information Systems (2007) Retrieved 9, October 2007,

Web site: http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/gis_poster/
 GIS Examples:

This vector data model represents real-world features

as points, lines, and polygons whose boundaries are
defined by x,y coordinate pairs.
GIS File Extensions:
Reserved Extensions: Allowable Extensions:

.bil .mxd eps ixc odb tmp

.bip .mxt ers ixs pat ttf
.bmp .ntf exe jpg pdf txt
.bsq .ovr fbt key pif xbm
.dbf .png fbx lin pps wmf
fls lnk prj wld
.dt1 .prj
ftg mat ps wri
.ers .raw
fts mcp rlc
.fdb .sbn
gen mdf rs
.gdb .sbx
gfw mid sbn
.gif .shp
gif mif sbx
.gis .shx
hdr mrk shd
.img .sid
hlp mxc shp
.jpg .stk
htm mxs shx
.lan .sxd
html nit stn
.lgg .tif ico ndx tab
.loc .txt idx nls tbl
.lyr .xml img odb tif
.mdb ini tfw
CAD Description:
CAD software is used to create precision
drawings or technical illustrations. CAD software
can be used to create two-dimensional (2-D)
drawings or three-dimensional (3-D) models.

Often partnered with a CAM (Computer Aided

Machine) or Mill for precision fabrication.

Whatis?com: Definitions What is CAD (2007) Retrieved 29-October, 2007

Web site: http://whatis.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid9_gci211732,00.html
 CAD Examples:

These CAD drawings illustrate how lines are layered to

create a precision how-to in a referenced space. At left
is a 3-D model rendering of a motorcycle.
CAD File Extensions:

.dwg
.mnr
.mns
.dws
.mnu
.dwt
.pat
.dxf
.pc3
.exe
.pgp
.fas
.pmp
.fdc
.pss
.fmp
.scr
.hdi .shp
.hlp .shx
.las .slb
.lin .sv$
.lli .stb
.lsp .unt
.mli .xml
.mnc .xtp
.mnl
Data Layer Examples:
GIS vs. CAD
Summary:

The difference between CAD and GIS

systems is becoming blurred with the
internal attributes and database linkages
enhancing CADs capabilities.
Conclusion:

GIS is a database program, and CAD is

a graphics program. With CAD, it's the
lines that are important, i.e. the
drawing is the information. With GIS,
the lines are just a representation of
the data behind it.
Questions ?

Thank You!!