Frequently Asked Questions
Click on any of the questions below to find the answers you are looking for. We would appreciate the opportunity to answer any questions you have that are not covered here!
• Why should I buy from ADCi?
• What software platforms do ADCi maps work with?
• What kinds of data do you have available?
• Will ADCi data work with the data I already have?
• Do you have coverage available for my area?
• Can maps be customized to our specifications?
• How current is the data?
• What are the differences between the scanned and vectorized contours and the DEM contours?
• What are the differences between maps from ADCi and USGS paper maps?
• Does ADCi's 7.5' quad offer the same coverage as a USGS paper map?
• What's the difference between NAD27 and NAD83?
• How accurate are different map scales?
• Are samples available?
• How do I order?
Why should I buy from ADCi instead of getting free data from the Internet or cheaper data from another company?
ADCi delivers maps that are ready to run to your specifications on your system. We supply you with data for the geographic area you require (i.e. single or multiple counties, states, and provinces; or entire countries). ADCi delivers vector data, which can be manipulated and edited unlike raster images. We save you valuable time and money by taking the manual process out of working with map data.
ADCi provides data in all of the ESRI formats (.shp, File Geodatabase and SDE), MapInfo formats (.TAB & MID/MIF), Oracle 10g and 11g Spatial (transportable tablespaces & dump/import), Relational Database Format, AutoCAD .dwg, and MicroStation .dgn. Data is provided in the projection and coordinate system you choose. We can also customize colors, layers, and names that can be turned on or off easily by suffix (e.g., rd, hwy). Each feature has its own layer.
For over 20 years ADCi has specialized in providing digital mapping products and services. During that time we have helped hundreds of customers in every market successfully secure the correct data and license for their mapping application, including government, business and Internet-based applications. Our knowledgeable and friendly sales and technical staff help you get started and can answer your questions along the way.
ADCi offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on most products.
What software platforms do ADCi maps work with?
ADCi's digital maps work with ESRI, MapInfo, Oracle Spatial (10g and 11g), AutoCAD, and MicroStation software.
What kinds of data do you have available?
ADCi offers street level data that is extremely current with an accuracy rate of 5-10 meters and a geocoding match rate often better than 94%! We also offer DEMs, contours and PLSS. ADC WorldMap offers Digital Atlas v5.2 which provides current and seamless geographic data for the whole Earth at scale of 1:1,000,000. ADCi's vector maps are configured to work with GIS and CAD software.
Will ADCi data work with the data I already have?
Yes, and it's easy! Just let us know the file format and coordinate projection of your current map data and we'll match it. If you've ordered from us before, it's even easier. Each ADCi order has a unique job number so you can reference it when placing a new order. You'll find the job number on the CD or on the invoice from your previous order.
Do you have coverage available for my area?
Yes! We have street maps for the entire United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and many other countries world-wide.
Although Contours (DEM) and Section Lines (PLSS) vary in availability, the majority of the U.S. is covered.
Can maps be customized to our specifications?
ADCi can customize your data by your specific file types, coordinate systems, road widths, colors, names, and layers. We'll even maintain a custom table for you if you place frequent orders produced to the same specifications.
How current is the data?
• Tele Atlas (MultiNet™) or Dynamap: Updated quarterly
• NAVTEQ: Updated quarterly
• ADC WorldMap Digital Atlas: Updated annually
What are the differences between the scanned and vectorized contours and the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) contours?
1:24,000 scale scanned and vectorized contours (for AutoCAD, ESRI, MicroStation, and MapInfo):
- Available for all 7.5' quads in the United States.
- Taken directly from USGS Mylar separates, the same contour lines as on 1:24,000 scale paper quad
map sheets
- More accurate representation of contours than DEMs
- Pre-set contour intervals cannot be changed
- Includes contour labels
- 4-6 week turnaround time.
1:24,000 scale DEM contours (for AutoCAD, ESRI, MicroStation, and MapInfo)
- Available for about 85% of the 7.5' quads in the United States
- Data taken from USGS 30-meter grid. Contour lines created from points taken every 30 meters.
- Contours do not look like those on 1:24,000 scale paper maps.
- No contour labels.
- Contour interval can be specified. 20-50 foot intervals recommended.
What are the differences between maps from ADCi and USGS paper maps?
• ADCi Digital Maps
◦ No buildings or vegetation
◦ Contours can be added to base map for additional fee
◦ More durable and accurate than paper maps
◦ Easily updated as needed
◦ Ability to edit
• USGS Paper Maps
◦ Have building footprints and vegetation
◦ Contain contours
◦ Likely to tear or wrinkle with use
◦ Difficult to update
When you say "quad", is that the same as a USGS paper map as far as the area covered?
Yes. We use the USGS naming and numbering conventions. A "quad" is a 60 square mile area.
What's the difference between NAD27 and NAD83?
• NAD - North American Datum
• NAD 27 - Measured in 1927, uses a point in Kansas as the central control point of US
• NAD 83 - Measured in 1983, uses satellite photos to correct some of the inaccuracies of the NAD 27
Datum
Note: If you wish to match your order with existing data be sure to order the same datum. If not, we recommend NAD83.
How accurate are maps of different scales?
Map Scale |
Accuracy in Feet (+/-) |
Accuracy in Meters (+/-) |
1:12,000 |
33 |
10.2 |
1:24,000 |
40 |
12.2 |
1:50,000 |
83 |
25.4 |
1:100,000 |
167 |
50.8 |
1:250,000 |
417 |
127.0 |
1:500,000 |
833 |
254.0 |
1:1,000,000 |
1667 |
508.0 |
1:2,000,000 |
3333 |
1016.0 |
Do you have samples available?
Samples of all of ADCi's products are available on our website.
- Tele Atlas Multinet™ or Dynamap
- NAVTEQ
- ADC WorldMap Digital Atlas
- ADC WorldMap Central and South America
- ADC WorldMap Africa
- Public Land Survey System (PLSS) - Digital Section Lines
- Contours and Elevation Products
How do I order?
Contact an ADCi representative to determine the data product(s) appropriate for your project. We will then email you an end-user license agreement with terms of use, order specifications, pricing details and delivery time. You will need to sign the license agreement and fax it back to us along with payment information. Once we have both, we will begin processing your data immediately. When the data is complete, it is either posted to our FTP site for electronic downloading, or we can ship the data to you on CD/DVD via FedEx Second Day.
