Could I replace MapInfo Professional 15.2 with Autodesk Map 3D

[m_kingdon]

Hi all,

My name is Mike, I am a senior AutoCAD and GIS technician.  I have recently completed a large 5 month GIS project in Mapinfo 15/15.2.  I have a love/hate relationship with MapInfo, however things have got a lot better with the latest 15.2 release (finally 64 bit without the old windows xp style interface).

I have decided to take this break in my GIS work to look into GIS software and possible alternatives to MapInfo.  I am very familiar with AutoCAD but I know very little about Map 3D.  I will download the student version soon when I get a chance (I am currently busy learning to use Civil 3D).

I was wondering if I could get the forum's opinion on whether Map 3D could replace MapInfo in my GIS workflow.  Below I have listed the features I use most often in MapInfo and they are features that are a must in my GIS workflow.  Apologies if MapInfo vs Map 3D is a common question, I just couldn't find a recent version of this question and MapInfo has changed a fair amount in the last few years.

Here are the features I use in MapInfo:

Thematic – creating colour maps based on data within a set range.

SQL commands – using SQL to select rows of data that meet certain criteria

Working with tables – similar to the comment above.  MapInfo has tools for dealing with tables that are similar to Excel.  I know that a program based off the AutoCAD engine will always beat MapInfo in terms of drawing ability, but I worry about its ability to deal with large tables.  This is probably the most important factor for me.

Transparency and layers – a favourite feature of mine, setting semi-transparent wipeouts and borders can hugely enhance the appearance of a map.

Labelling – not MapInfo’s strong point, but a necessary feature.

Importing OS raster and vector maps – how does Map 3D deal with working with large OS tiles, both vector and raster?

Buffering – I guess Map 3D should have this covered with the offset command?

Legend creator – produce legends based on data in current map

Statistics – MapInfo has a window that automatically calculates cumulative values of selected data in the same table (i.e total length of 2 selected sections of road).

Thanks,

[Pointdump]

Mike,

Never heard of Mapinfo. Map 3D has a lot going for it, but I don't think there's ever been a software that someone doesn't say, "Gee, if only it would......"

Map will do everything on your list, but whether or not it will do things as you like, I dunno.

Dive in. Check it out. Post questions.

Another good software to try out is free QGIS.
https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html

Dave

[parkr4st]

do some searching.  lots of opinions already posted.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-map-3d-general/advice-autocad-map3d-vs-mapinfo-and-arcgis/td-...

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/mapinfo-l/SPXCVB1deYo

http://gisgeography.com/mapping-out-gis-software-landscape/

dave

[m_kingdon]

I did do some reading before, I just found all the previous topics a bit woolly, which is why I listed the features I need. I will get Map3D soon and start bugging you guys with specific questions soon, I just wanted to get a head start.

[Murph_Map]

As Dave replied everything you asked about Map3D can do. Some are a simple one or two clicks here or thare and it's done, a few others can be  longer steps and a good understanding of the data used and GIS. When you say a GIS project keep in mind the size of it not only in area but the data behind all the features and the numbers of features and type of features.