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 from the Carlson SurvCADD product line, first introduced in 1989, Carlson GIS 2009 delivers a new level of powerful GIS automation, including this list of standard features:

Standard Features

• GIS Database Settings
• Input-Edit GIS Data
• GIS Inspector
• GIS Inspector Settings
• GIS Query/Report
• Hatch GIS Polylines
• Mark GIS Polylines
• Label GIS Polyline: Closed Polyline Image
• Label GIS Polyline: Closed Polyline Data
• Label GIS Polyline: Open Polyline Data
• Links Manager
• Create Links
• Erase Links
  

• Audit Links
• Import SHP File
• Export SHP File
• Convert GIS Links to AcadMap
• Convert AcadMap to GIS Links
• Define Template Database
• Define Note File Prompts
• Note File Utilities
• Define Block Database Links
• Update Block Data
• Insert Block with GIS Data

General

• 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