is it possible to create a map frame in autocad and then texture it in 3ds max or into hammer?

Short simple answer: No.

It s possible to convert 3ds max models to dod world and use them in hammer?

Thanks in advance

yes you can convert a 3dsmax model into a .mdl file for use in hammer, it's how most models are made (Other programs are XSI and Maya that are mostly used for modelling for dod etc)

im going to play around with this alittle more

yes you can convert a 3dsmax model into a .mdl file for use in hammer, it's how most models are made (Other programs are XSI and Maya that are mostly used for modelling for dod etc)
does that mean it would be possible to create a whole map (the ground, architecture, etc. of course without water, textures and stuff) in 3dsmax (or c4d)?

does that mean it would be possible to create a whole map (the ground, architecture, etc. of course without water, textures and stuff) in 3dsmax (or c4d)?

Nope, because Source's collision boxes can't be that complex. That's one thing I kinda wish they did with Source.

you could make them all in seperate models, with simple collision boxes. But source just wouldn't handle it well as models don't block vis and you'd have to add in vis blocks, skybox, hints etc etc and it wouldn't be worth it in the end.

is it possible to create a map frame in autocad and then texture it in 3ds max or into hammer?

stuff made in autocad2007 can be saved to a format that can be opened in max 9, which can then be exported as .smd files, and in turn compiled into half-life models.

i don't know if that's always been the case, or if it's something that autodesk done after buying out max, but it works.

(but not much use for making full maps, as mentioned above :( )

Seriously now, I think you'll be wasting more time trying to figure out how to convert your 3DS and Autocad files than to learn a new program. Seems like someone doesn't quite want to teach himself how Hammer works :p

The short answer is: NO.

AFAIK, he wasn't asking about models, he was asking about creating a whole map which is straightforwardly technically impossible.

As far as lighting is concerned, this would be your biggest mistake. Models in Source don't have lightmaps. Use what Source is good at (brush based radiosity lighting) instead of deliberately taking it away.