SPM for AutoCAD > Features > Thematic maps > Thematic map types

Thematic map types in AutoCAD

Thematic maps are created automatically based on field values. Use existing fixed values or ranges to set the thematic type

Editions: Professional

Thematic map types

Spatial Manager™ for AutoCAD enables the creation of thematic maps by automatically applying styles based on attribute values.

The feature lets you define classifications either by fixed values or by ranges, ensuring that your spatial data is visually organized according to your chosen criteria.

This functionality helps in transforming raw data into clear, color-coded maps directly within AutoCAD, simplifying data analysis and presentation.

Resources and Information
videos
Thematic maps
links
Thematic maps - User manual
Related features
Visualization styles<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../visualization-styles/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Visualization styles

Create your custom set of rules or select a predefined style. Most common color schemes and gradient ramps are built in

Fill closed objects<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../fill-closed-objects/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Fill closed objects

For enhancing the visualization and identification of overlapping objects, closed lines can be filled using hatches

Persistent thematic maps<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../persistent-thematic-maps/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Persistent thematic maps

 New in V10

Once a thematic map is defined, you can apply the chosen styling persistently across your DWG drawing.

Insert legend in the drawing<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../insert-legend-in-the-drawing/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Insert legend in the drawing

 New in V10

Insert a thematic map legend directly into the drawing, making it easier to interpret and communicate the meaning of the applied styles. The legend reflects the categories or value ranges used in the map presentation

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frequently asked questions
Current compatible AutoCAD applications:
  • AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Architecture (Windows Only)
  • Versions: From v.2013 to v.2026 both included. Review the version compatibility page for more details.
Note: AutoCAD LT is not a compatible application because of its intrinsic limitations but you can use Spatial Manager Desktop™ to import/export via DXF files
System requirements:
  • Windows 7 or higher, within the operating system versions supported by the AutoCAD version used
  • 500 MB free disk space, or more
  • Windows Installer 3.1 or later
Spatial files
  • Esri Shape file - (SHP)
  • Google Earth file - (KML, KMZ)
  • OpenStreetMap file - (OSM, PBF, OSC) (1)
  • LiDAR file - (LAS, LAZ)
  • GPS exchange format file - (GPX)
  • Esri ASCII Grid file - (ASC, ASCII) (1)
  • ASCII text file - (ASC, CSV, NEZ, TXT, XYZ, UPT)
  • SQLite file - (SQLITE, DB)
  • GeoPackage file - (GPKG)
  • GML file - (GML, GZ, XML)
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
  • Autodesk SDF file - (SDF) (3)
  • MicroStation v.7 file - (DGN) (2)
  • AutoCAD DXF file - (DXF) (2)
  • Esri ArcInfo export file (ASCII) - (E00) (1) (2)
  • MapInfo file - (TAB) (2)
  • MapInfo interchange format file - (MIF/MID) (2)
  • GeoJSON file - (GEO.JSON)

Spatial raster files
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
    • Georeference sources - (World files, Google Earth .GEPRINT, etc.)
  • Variable resolution Raster image file - (Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF/COG TIFF) (1) (4)

Spatial data servers and Geo-databases
  • Esri Geodatabase File - (GDB) (1)
  • PostGIS database
  • Microsoft SQL Server Spatial database
  • MySQL database (1) (3)

Image map servers
  • WMS/OGC API Maps Web Map Services (4)
  • WMTS/OGC API Tiles Web Map Tile Services (4)
  • XYZ/TMS Tile Map Services (4)

Other spatial data sources
  • Open Database Connectivity ODBC (1)
  • WFS/OGC API Features data store (1)
  • WFS data store (FDO) (1) (3) (6)
  • WFS data store (OGR) (1) (2) (5) (6)

(1) Read-only
(2) OGR data source
(3) FDO provider
(4) Background Maps technology
(5) OGR for WFS data stores will not be found in the data Provider list under some circumstances (certain AutoCAD Map versions and others). Please, use the native or FDO variants for this data Provider
(6) DEPRECATED - Whenever possible use the native WFS/OGC API Features data provider

Note: certain data Providers are only valid for some Editions of the application