Native DWG Editing
Create, open, modify and save drawings using the widely adopted DWG format.
CAD for GIS and GIS for CAD
ARES Map
Connect DWG drawings with geographic information systems
ARES Map is a professional DWG-based CAD and GIS solution that connects precision CAD drafting with geographic information. It helps users create, edit and manage georeferenced CAD drawings while working with supported ArcGIS map and feature services.
Native DWG workflow
CAD and GIS integration
ArcGIS connectivity
Georeferenced drawings
Product overview
Bridge the gap between CAD drawings and GIS data
CAD and GIS teams frequently work with different data structures, tools and project environments. ARES Map connects these disciplines by allowing CAD users to work with GIS-enabled information through a familiar DWG-based interface.
Users can position drawings using real-world coordinates, load supported map and feature services, convert CAD geometry into GIS-enabled entities and publish eligible modifications back to connected GIS services.
Drawings created with ARES Map are stored natively in DWG format, enabling them to be shared with ARES Commander, AutoCAD and other compatible DWG-based applications.
Key capabilities
Professional CAD and GIS tools in one environment
Create precise drawings, place them geographically and connect them with supported GIS data and services.
Coordinate Systems
Assign an appropriate supported coordinate system or geographic projection to a drawing.
Georeference CAD Drawings
Position DWG geometry in its correct real-world location using coordinates and reference information.
Map Services
Load supported map services to provide geographic and visual context for CAD projects.
Feature Services
Connect to supported GIS feature services and work with GIS-enabled project entities.
ArcGIS Online Connectivity
Sign in to an authorized ArcGIS Online account to access supported maps and feature services.
ArcGIS Server Connectivity
Connect to supported services published through an authorized ArcGIS Server environment.
CAD-to-GIS Conversion
Convert selected CAD geometry into GIS-enabled entities and assign it to appropriate feature classes.
GIS-to-CAD Conversion
Convert supported GIS information into standard DWG entities when a pure CAD deliverable is required.
GIS Attribute Editing
Review and modify supported attribute information associated with GIS-enabled drawing entities.
Base Maps
Use available street, satellite or topographic base maps to support project positioning and verification.
Publish Modifications
Publish eligible updates to connected feature services according to account permissions and project configuration.
CAD-to-GIS workflow
Transform CAD geometry into GIS-enabled information
Prepare the Drawing
Open an existing DWG drawing or create new CAD geometry using professional drafting tools.
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Set the Location
Assign the supported coordinate system and position the drawing in its correct real-world location.
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Assign GIS Features
Convert selected CAD objects and associate them with the required GIS feature classes and attributes.
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Publish the Updates
Synchronize eligible modifications with the connected GIS service according to user permissions.
GIS-to-CAD workflow
Convert geographic information into usable DWG content
Bring supported GIS information into a precision CAD environment for design, detailing and engineering documentation.
Load GIS Services
Connect to supported map or feature services from an authorized GIS environment.
Select Project Features
Identify the required geographic features and information for the CAD project.
Review Attributes
Inspect available feature properties and associated project data.
Convert to DWG Entities
Create standard CAD geometry from supported GIS information when required.
Develop the Design
Use professional CAD tools to add dimensions, details, notes and engineering information.
Share the Drawing
Deliver the project as a DWG drawing for compatible CAD users and project stakeholders.
Geographic project information
Work with spatial features and associated attributes
GIS projects commonly organize real-world assets as point, line or polygon features with descriptive information attached to each feature.
Point Features
Represent equipment, poles, valves, inspection points or other location-based assets.
Line Features
Represent roads, pipelines, cables, utility networks and other linear infrastructure.
Polygon Features
Represent plots, buildings, zones, service areas and project boundaries.
Attribute Information
Store relevant identification, classification and asset information with supported geographic features.
CAD capabilities
Professional drafting tools for GIS projects
Use accurate CAD tools to create and modify infrastructure, utility and mapping drawings.
2D Drawing
Create lines, polylines, arcs, circles, splines, points, hatches and other precise drawing entities.
Drawing Modification
Move, copy, rotate, scale, mirror, offset, trim, extend and modify CAD geometry.
Layers and Properties
Organize drawing information using layers, colours, line types and object properties.
Blocks and Attributes
Use reusable symbols and attach descriptive information to supported drawing objects.
Dimensions and Annotation
Add measurements, labels, notes, leaders and tables to engineering drawings.
External References
Coordinate multiple DWG drawings, images and supported project references.
Layouts and Viewports
Prepare drawing sheets with scaled views, project legends and title blocks.
Printing and PDF
Publish maps and technical drawings for approval, construction, operation or field use.
Applications
Where ARES Map can be used
Water and Wastewater
Document pipelines, valves, treatment assets, service connections and water-distribution infrastructure.
Electric Utilities
Manage drawings for poles, cables, substations, equipment and electrical-distribution networks.
Telecommunications
Prepare network drawings for fibre routes, ducts, towers and communication assets.
Roads and Infrastructure
Develop georeferenced drawings for roads, corridors, transport assets and public infrastructure.
Municipal Planning
Support local-government projects, public assets, land information and urban-development documentation.
Land and Surveying
Position survey information, site boundaries and project geometry using supported coordinate systems.
Oil and Gas
Document pipelines, facilities and geographically distributed assets.
Facility and Asset Management
Connect facility drawings with asset locations and associated information.
Recommended users
Who should use ARES Map?
ARES Map is suitable for organizations that need the precision and familiarity of CAD together with geographic project information.
CAD technicians
GIS professionals
Surveyors
Utility engineers
Infrastructure planners
Municipal engineering teams
Asset-management teams
Telecom network designers
Water-network engineers
Road and civil-design teams
Business advantages
Why choose ARES Map?
Reduce workflow gaps between precision drawing and geographic data management.
Continue sharing drawings with customers, suppliers and users of compatible DWG-based software.
Place CAD drawings in their correct real-world locations using supported coordinate systems.
Convert eligible CAD geometry into GIS features and GIS information into DWG entities.
Help experienced CAD users work with GIS information through familiar drawing and editing tools.
Connect supported geographic features with descriptive information used for planning and asset management.
Product comparison
ARES Map vs general-purpose CAD
| Capability | ARES Map | General CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Native DWG drafting | Yes | Yes |
| Professional 2D drawing tools | Yes | Yes |
| Coordinate systems | Supported | Limited |
| Georeference DWG drawings | Yes | Limited |
| ArcGIS map services | Supported | Not specialized |
| ArcGIS feature services | Supported | Not specialized |
| CAD-to-GIS conversion | Yes | Not specialized |
| GIS-to-CAD conversion | Yes | Not specialized |
| GIS attribute management | Supported | Not specialized |
| Primary application | Integrated CAD and GIS | General drafting and design |
Implementation approach
Introduce ARES Map into your project workflow
Requirement Study
Review existing CAD files, GIS systems, coordinate requirements and project deliverables.
Workflow Demonstration
Demonstrate relevant CAD, ArcGIS, conversion and feature-editing capabilities.
Pilot Project
Evaluate the workflow using approved sample data from a practical customer project.
Training and Deployment
Configure templates, coordinate systems, data connections and user training.
Available GIS services, coordinate systems and editing permissions depend on the selected product version, ArcGIS environment and user account privileges.
Frequently asked questions
ARES Map FAQ
What is ARES Map?
ARES Map is a DWG-based CAD solution that connects professional CAD drafting with supported GIS information, ArcGIS map services and feature services.
Can ARES Map create and edit DWG drawings?
Yes. Drawings are created and saved natively in DWG format and can be shared with compatible DWG-based CAD applications.
Can it connect with ArcGIS Online?
ARES Map supports access to eligible map and feature services through an authorized ArcGIS Online account.
Can it connect with ArcGIS Server?
It can connect to supported services published through an authorized ArcGIS Server environment.
Can CAD objects be converted into GIS features?
Supported CAD objects can be assigned to appropriate feature classes and converted into GIS-enabled entities.
Can GIS features be converted into DWG entities?
Supported GIS information can be converted into standard DWG entities when a pure CAD drawing is required.
Is ARES Map suitable for utility companies?
Yes. It can support water, electrical, telecom, pipeline and other infrastructure organizations that combine CAD drawings with geographic asset information.
Are ArcGIS licences included?
ArcGIS accounts, services and permissions are generally managed separately. Confirm all software and account requirements before deployment.
Start your evaluation
Connect precision CAD drawings with GIS information
Request an ARES Map demonstration, trial, technical consultation or commercial quotation.