The advantage of this type of environment is that there is a tight relationship between the graphic definitions, their topology model and their associated supportive data. The topology model in AutoCAD Map attaches object data to every object in a topology model to infer the topology. If, for some reason, that object loses the object data, or is edited using standard AutoCAD tools, the integrity of the topology is undermined. The overhead of the object data and the fragile topology editing environment requires more user checks and balances when using the AutoCAD Map topology model for large system replication. It is more than adequate, however, for smaller-scale topology modeling.
Telecom companies have intense infrastructures that defy modeling.
Editing of an object can trigger an update in the database to reflect changes in geometry, geographic location or associated data. Potentially, queried objects will automatically refresh to reflect updates in the database caused by other users on the system. This provides yet another set of tools for the GIS developer community to build upon and leverage for vertical application specific products. Summary AutoCAD Map 2000 is an intermediary, AutoCAD 2000 compliant product release providing few new mapping features. Autodesk is smart to get its application-specific products, such as AutoCAD Map, out concurrent to or shortly after a major AutoCAD release.