Home 9 AEC 9 Esri Integrates ArcGIS with Autodesk Forma for AECO Design

Esri Integrates ArcGIS with Autodesk Forma for AECO Design

by | Jul 15, 2025

The new integration allows geospatial data to be used directly within design workflows, improving early-stage planning and decision-making. With built-in location context, it gives teams better access without requiring GIS expertise.
Image: Esri

REDLANDS, CA, July 15, 2025 – Esri has launched ArcGIS for Autodesk Forma, integrating geospatial reference data into Autodesk design platform. The collaboration allows architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) professionals to access spatial context within a unified environment, streamlining early-stage planning and reducing the need to switch between tools.

“We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with Autodesk in creating a more cohesive project experience for the AECO industry,” said Kathleen Kewley, Esri director for AEC global business development. “This will improve operational efficiency and drive better business outcomes by bringing Esri’s rich collection of data into Autodesk Forma.”

ArcGIS for Autodesk Forma will serve as an Autodesk extension, incorporating geographic data and geospatial services that enable analytics and insights into Autodesk offerings. Integrating ArcGIS into design and construction gives professionals insight into projects by connecting them to social, built, and natural systems. The application brings ArcGIS content into Forma, allowing both GIS and non-GIS users to access maps, layers, and spatial data. It includes Esri’s ArcGIS basemaps and selected data layers from ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World, a resource with global geographic information.

Image: Esri

“AECO professionals who use Autodesk Forma will now be able to quickly update projects with the most up-to-date GIS data available,” said Eric DesRoche, director of infrastructure business strategy at Autodesk. “With access to the most accurate and current geographic information during the conceptual design stage, users can design with location in mind and ultimately deliver projects that are more sustainable, resilient and can better support local communities.”

Combining GIS and building information modeling (BIM) technologies in the design and planning stages gives teams improved project understanding and visualization. This approach can reduce costs and shorten project timelines. ArcGIS for Autodesk Forma also makes it easier to share GIS-enhanced designs from Autodesk Forma to Autodesk Revit and other Autodesk solutions.

“Our augmented reality technology hinges on visualizations that function as counterparts to the physical world, so the seamless use of public and proprietary spatial data is critical for customers,” said Dana Chermesh-Reshef, inCitu founder and CEO. “ArcGIS for Autodesk Forma’s interface is easy to use and responsive, while accessing data is intuitive for AECO professionals with even limited to no GIS experience.”

Source: Esri

About Esri

Esri, established in 1969 and based in Redlands, California, develops geographic information system (GIS) software used for spatial analysis, mapping, and data management. Its core product, ArcGIS, supports applications in government, utilities, transportation, environmental monitoring, real estate, public safety, and education. Esri serves both public and private sector clients, providing tools that support infrastructure planning, asset management, and location-based decision-making. The company operates more than 40 offices worldwide and employs over 7,000 people. Esri is privately held and reinvests a significant portion of its revenue into research and development. As of 2025, its estimated annual revenue is approximately $5 billion. The company’s software is widely used for real-time geospatial data analysis and supports regulatory compliance, sustainability planning, and operational efficiency in sectors that depend on accurate geographic information.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, founded in 1982, is a global software corporation headquartered in San Francisco, CA, known primarily for its industry-leading design and engineering software solutions. The company offers specialized software products such as AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion 360, Maya, and Inventor, catering to diverse sectors, including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, entertainment, and automotive industries. Autodesk employs approximately 15,300 people worldwide. Autodesk provides professionals with advanced tools for designing, visualizing, simulating, and creating sophisticated projects, including buildings, infrastructure, automotive components, and digital entertainment content. Serving millions of users globally across 180 countries, Autodesk supports industries like architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment by utilizing cutting-edge, cloud-based technology to enhance collaboration and simplify project management processes.