Hi, I'm a young professional, just a few years out of school, and I'd like to get some advice on resources people use to acquire topographic CAD drawings for project sites. In school we had some authentic licensed GIS software (and even then it was not the easiest interface to use). Now as a graduate, I am without this database.
I'm interested in finding a resource to help with my own pet projects and possibly any local competitions for which this sort of thing might be relevant - I'm located in the mid-Altantic.
I guess I'm asking a few things:
1. Is this information available to the public either through local municipalities or some other database? What do other people use to build site models when you're without academic or professional survey resources?
2. Will this information be proprietary? Should I expect to be paying for it?
I'm not looking for professional quality information, but I'd like something a little more accurate and flexible than Google Earth.
1) Usually. Check with the local/state municipalities where the project is located (if in the US). They should have the data files. Also, USGS is your friend for topo maps.
2) Usually not.
3) GIS software is licensed, databases are usually free or free-ish. Look into open/free alternatives like GRASS GIS, QGIS, and MapWindow GIS.
Sep 4, 12 8:04 am ·
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resources for GIS/topo dwgs?
Hi, I'm a young professional, just a few years out of school, and I'd like to get some advice on resources people use to acquire topographic CAD drawings for project sites. In school we had some authentic licensed GIS software (and even then it was not the easiest interface to use). Now as a graduate, I am without this database.
I'm interested in finding a resource to help with my own pet projects and possibly any local competitions for which this sort of thing might be relevant - I'm located in the mid-Altantic.
I guess I'm asking a few things:
1. Is this information available to the public either through local municipalities or some other database? What do other people use to build site models when you're without academic or professional survey resources?
2. Will this information be proprietary? Should I expect to be paying for it?
I'm not looking for professional quality information, but I'd like something a little more accurate and flexible than Google Earth.
Thanks in advance for your help.
1) Usually. Check with the local/state municipalities where the project is located (if in the US). They should have the data files. Also, USGS is your friend for topo maps.
2) Usually not.
3) GIS software is licensed, databases are usually free or free-ish. Look into open/free alternatives like GRASS GIS, QGIS, and MapWindow GIS.
Block this user
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