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What's 3D mapping technology?

3D mapping technology (also called projection mapping or spatial augmented reality) is a technology used to project a 2D or 3D object onto a display surface through spatial mapping. 3D mapping is often used by advertisers and artists to add dimension, movement and depth to previously static objects such as buildings or stages.

What is 3D mapping

3D mapping techniques

CAD and GIS

CAD AND GIS

Spatial data that is digitised or created in GIS can be converted to CAD data and vice versa which can then be manipulated in Autodesk products.

Drones for 3D mapping

DRONES AND UAVS

Utilise drones and UAVs to survey and create high-quality 3D models that can be mapped to objections for projection.

Photogrammetry

PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Turn photographs into detailed 3D maps, drawings and models using photogrammetry for precise measurements.

Featured 3D mapping software

Autodesk Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Collection software

Get Revit + AutoCAD + Civil 3D + more—BIM tools for architecture, engineering and construction

Autodesk AutoCAD

Professional design software for 2D and 3D CAD

Autodesk Revit

BIM software to plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure

Autodesk Civil 3D

Civil engineering design and construction documentation

Model-based mapping software with access to CAD and GIS data

Autodesk ReCap

Reality capture and 3D scanning software and services

How is 3D mapping software used?

Bureau of Reclamation

Reality capture and 3D modelling are helping this US government agency protect the Glen Canyon Dam for generations to come.

See what our customers are doing

SCODI

Chinese engineering firm created visualisations using AutoCAD Civil 3D to communicate its design for a new 69-km highway to government officials.

Okaloosa Gas District

Florida's Okaloosa Gas uses AutoCAD Map 3D to provide accurate, available spatial data to manage its natural gas distribution infrastructure.

Construction plans with a tablet device

Autodesk & Esri

A new collaboration between Autodesk and Esri intends to put GIS and BIM at the centre of projects, driving smarter decisions, optimised designs, accelerated project approvals, reduced costs, smarter cities and resilient infrastructure. Building the bridge between GIS and BIM will change the way we plan, design and build our future

3D mapping resources

Learn more about mapping software with these tutorials, tips and guides.