Where can I download GIS parcel shapefiles online?

[Anonymous]

I am a civil engineer who is now working for a developer. I am attempting to lay out preliminary sites in AutoCAD LT and wondering if there is a way to download free parcel information online? GIS Shapefiles would obviously be easiest, but even northing/eastings could work inserted as a comma delimited list. Thanks for the help! 

[tcorey · Accepted solution]

Look on the mapping website of your local jurisdictions. Many county and city government agencies publish these data for free. That's where I would start. What is your plan for how to transfer the .shp files into .dwg? AutoCAD LT has no conversion tools.

With where I imagine your project is headed, I think you will be under-served by AutoCAD LT. You should use AutoCAD Map 3D or Civil 3D. Just sayin'....

[Anonymous]

Hey Tim thanks for your reply! I have been using the local municipalities GIS mapping systems to identify parcels, but haven't figured out how to actually download the shapefiles. Any guidance here would be welcome!

I am just getting used to CAD LT (transitioning from full blown Civil 3D) so I did not realize the conversion tool isn't accessible! I am primarily using CAD to do quick site layouts for developers/brokers so do not really need to look at 3D data in depth. As an engineer I'd love to, but they want surface level.

[Anonymous]

I think each municipality is going to have their own rules and costs for sharing data. I would ask the city or county land information or tax lister or whoever it is that does the GIS. Some of that information is shared, some of it is for sale, some is restricted - it all depends on the local gov.

and since LT can't import shp files, you might ask for available CAD formats. I know Arc can export dwg's, for example. With object data on the parcels would be nice.

[Pointdump]

Hi Leila,
Welcome to the Autodesk Forums.
I'd check to see if your current plan allows you to download Civil 3D. If not, you have other options.
@Anonymous 's idea is good, finding CAD format data. Most free GIS programs, like QGIS, Gaia, and TatukGIS will allow you to export a shapefile as DXF.
Dave