How engineering staff use GIS data

WisDOT GIS Day 2025

Eric Arneson, P.E.

eric.arneson@dot.wi.gov

Methods Development, BPD, WisDOT

Civil 3D Jedi Master

Engineering staff compared to GIS users

Different

different software/file formats
very often working in 3D
differet level of data accuracy and detail (ex. culvert pipe is a fully 3D model instead of a point)
~90% of engineering staff working on WisDOT highway/bridge projects are not WisDOT employees

Same

consuming/creating spatial data
need to answer questions that can be answered by spatial data
need solutions that are fast, easy, and preferably cheap

Engineering needs from GIS data

always need to know where
if you're moving dirt, the spatial questions expand exponentially
- Will the project fit on existing right-of-way?
- Are there any underground utilities in the area of work?
- Who owns the adjacent land?
- Are we next to
  - a wetland, trout stream, endangered species habitat?
  - a railroad, an airport?
  - tribal land, cemetery, 4F land?

Requirement:

Above all, engineers need to see GIS data where their work is, their proposed spatial data

In other words, they need GIS data in non-GIS software

WisDOT road and bridge projects are designed in AutoCAD Civil 3D
Civil 3D can consume rasters, shapefiles, and ESRI web-based map and image services without additional licenses

Many levels of need and use

Level 1 - Aerial imagery

Almost every road/bridge project can benefit from knowing where things are at
Methods built a custom tool to access standard web services GISU have set up
- WisDOT Imagery tab this was a smash hit when rolled out
- Users only need to know their county projection
Users also love opening Google StreetView in C3D

Level 2 - Map/plan view GIS data

Web services are much easier/faster than local files
Recently added ArcGIS for AutoCAD to provide access to ESRI image and map services
- Bringing web GIS data into Civil 3D
Working with GISU to provide standard basemapping statewide

Level 3 - Existing 3D ground data

Can import downloaded USGS or WROC County LiDAR data files through InfraWorks
- Create drainage analysis surface from USGS data in Infraworks and import to Civil 3D
- Can get very good idea on elevation well before survey/mapping efforts
Can also drape aerial imagery onto surface data

Proposed work can then be analyzed against existing GIS data in 2D or 3D in Civil 3D or InfraWorks