How is AutoCAD Map 3D different from ArcGIS?

[Anonymous]

I'm going to be learning AutoCAD soon- as I've been told it's good to know (although I really know nothing about CAD beside its use in 3D modeling)- and found that they also make AutoCAD Map 3D. I guess that is a standalone application- correct me if I'm wrong.

Now, I've been actively using ArcGIS for about 5 months now, but haven't touched it's 3D analyst tool. I am sure that AutoCAD Map 3D is more technical and offers more flexibility than Arc's 3D analyst tool- but my question is how, and why would I use one over the other?

Thanks for helping out the new guy.

[ChicagoLooper]

Do not confuse a program's ability to produce GRAPHICS with a program's ability to perform ANALYSES.

Both ArcMap and Map3D can create graphic representations and analyze data. ArcGIS however, outperforms Map3D in terms of analyses. In terms of  manual drawing, Map 3D is more user friendly. With the right know how, a Map3D user can create stunning graphics.

When comparing head-to-head, the user interfaces are completely different so the 5 months of experience you have in ArcMap will only take you so far. You'll need to learn the Map3D ribbon and the Map Task Pane, which is kinda like, but not really like the Table of Contents in ArcGIS. You'll also need to familiarize yourself with layout tabs and Map3D terminology. Having a background in both ArcGIS and AutoCAD is beneficial when learning Map3D.

Areas where the ArcGIS and Map3D overlap:

1. Coordinate geometry. If you have a thorough understanding of projections and datum, you'll be fine in Map. If you struggle with coordinates when using AcrGIS, you'll be hindered in Map3D. Make no mistake, M3D has geospatial capabilities. 
2. Shapefiles and Gdb's. M3D can read and edit shapefiles. Map can also create shapefiles form scratch. Map also has the capability to export plain vanilla AutoCAD geometry to shapefile and populate the shapefile's dbf with data during the export procedure. Map's SDF format can be considered Autodesk's version of a geodatabase because it can hold multi-classses. While in M3D you can add gdb files but connecting to them may, or may not, be an issue. 
3. You can perform overlay analysis, topologies, and Joins.
4. You can connect to georeferenced rasters such as aerial photos, DEMs and geotiffs.
5. If you combine the Autodesk Recap workflow with Map3D, then can work wtih LiDAR data.

To answer your question, which is kinda vague, ArcGIS has a higher degree of analytical abilites. Although Map3D has analytical capabilities it can't outperform ArcGIS's ablility to analyze. Map3D can however, outshine ArcGIS when the goal is to create graphical presentations of data. 

[john_daues]

I am learning the Map3D is not meant to handle topography.