MapRelate provides an in-AutoCAD interface for importing GIS data directly into your DWG file as native CAD entities such as points, blocks, text, polylines or mpolygons, thus ensuring that integration with background geospatial data is integral, up-to-date and simple to manage for single users or corporate configuration. MapRelate’s unobtrusive integration and creation of entities in the current DWG file means that it can easily fit into any existing workflow with immediate benefits.

MapRelate works on the concept of DataSources – a data source connection is a relationship between a GIS data source and the specification for how that data will be rendered in AutoCAD, with settings for layers, filters, text overrides and polyline/polygon options.

The MRCONFIG command is used to initialize datasource configuration and the drop-down list of data providers at the top left shows the formats supported in your system. Select a format, such as ESRI SHP file and provide additional, provider-specific, details for the connection and click the ‘Open Datasource’ button. The right-hand side of MRCONFIG is now used to specify data translation options, including the layer and data interpretation. When you have reviewed or edited all the settings, click ‘Add’ to enter this datasource into the list of available connections, then add more or click ‘Save’. With pre-configured datasource configuration, there are three commands to query the GIS data into AutoCAD entities:

* MRL: Displays a list of available data source connections to be used for the next commands

* MRDRAWALL: Queries all the GIS data from the datasources (this command should only be used for small datasets and can be followed by a ZOOM EXTENTS to show the entities)

* MRD: Similar to MRDRAWALL but the current screen is used as a geographic filter on the datasource, ensuring that you only get the data required for your area of interest

The installer that ran when you downloaded this app/plug-in from Autodesk App Store will start installing the app/plug-in. OR, simply double-click the downloaded installer to install the app/plugin.

To uninstall this plug-in, exit the Autodesk product if you are currently running it, simply rerun the installer, and select the "Uninstall" button. OR, click Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features (Windows 7/8.1/10/11) and uninstall as you would any other application from your system.

The list of data providers in MapRelate includes some that are dependent on third-party software before they will appear. If you want to read ArcSDE, Oracle or PostGIS (PostgreSQL) datasources please ensure that the appropriate client software/libraries are installed and available.

As with any geospatial data integration, it is important to have knowledge of the GIS data (schema) to ensure that appropriate translation options are set. For example, which attribute is suitable as a layer name or whether a point dataset represents geographic locations or should be rendered as cartographic text entities.