ArcGIS Desktop uses semantic data modeling techniques to translate CAD data. The result is a structured representation of the geometry contained in the drawing file. Typically, one CAD feature class displays many qualifying CAD entities or elements. The following table identifies these entity relationships and lists the AutoCAD and MicroStation geometry types that are supported by direct-read CAD datasets.
ArcGIS CAD feature class | AutoCAD entity | MicroStation element |
---|---|---|
Annotation (point feature type)
| Text | Text |
Multiline text | ||
Block attributes defined as visible | ||
Point |
External reference | |
Block reference
| Cell header | |
Point | ||
Polyline | 3D face |
Shape |
3D polyline |
Complex shape | |
Arc |
Arc | |
Circle |
Curve | |
Ellipse |
Ellipse | |
Block reference (supported entities only) |
Cell header | |
Line | Line | |
LWPolyline | Line string | |
MLine | Multiline | |
Polyline |
Complex chain | |
Solid | Surface | |
Spline | ||
Trace | ||
Polygon | 3D face |
Shape |
3D polyline (closed) |
Complex shape | |
Circle | ||
Ellipse |
Ellipse | |
Block reference (supported entities only) |
Cell header | |
LWPolyline (closed) | ||
MLine (closed) | ||
Polyline (closed) | ||
Solid | Solid | |
Spline (closed) | ||
Trace | ||
Multipatch | 3D face | |
3D polyline (closed) |
Complex shape | |
Block reference (supported entities only) |
Cell header | |
LWPolyline (closed) | ||
MLine (closed) | ||
Polyline (closed) | ||
Solid | Solid | |
Mesh | Mesh |