CAD System Integration with FiveM Resources

Integrating your CAD system with FiveM is what transforms a standalone web application into a fully immersive in-game experience. When your CAD talks to your FiveM server, player locations update on the live map in real time, status changes sync between the game and the MDT, and officers can access the full CAD system through an in-game tablet without tabbing out. This tutorial walks you through every step of connecting CDE CAD to your FiveM server resources for seamless integration.

API Setup and Authentication

The foundation of FiveM integration is the API connection between your CAD system and your FiveM server. CDE CAD provides a REST API that your FiveM resources use to communicate with the CAD database. The first step is generating your API key from the CDE CAD admin panel. This key authenticates your FiveM server and ensures only authorized requests can access or modify CAD data.

The API key should be treated as a secret credential and never shared publicly or committed to version control. Store it in your server configuration file where only server administrators have access. The API uses HTTPS encryption for all communication, ensuring that data transmitted between your FiveM server and the CAD system is secure and cannot be intercepted by malicious actors.

Once your API key is generated, test the connection by making a simple status request from your server console. A successful response confirms that your FiveM server can reach the CAD API and is properly authenticated. If the connection fails, common issues include firewall rules blocking outbound HTTPS traffic, incorrect API endpoint URLs, or expired API keys that need to be regenerated from the admin panel.

Config.lua and Resource Installation

Resource Installation

Drop the CDE CAD resource into your resources folder and add it to your server.cfg with ensure cde-cad to start it with your server.

Config.lua Setup

Configure your API endpoint URL, API key, update intervals, and feature toggles to customize the integration to your server's needs.

Framework Compatibility

Compatible with popular frameworks including ESX, QBCore, and standalone setups with automatic framework detection and adaptation.

Dependency Management

Minimal dependencies required - the resource handles its own HTTP communication and data serialization without additional libraries.

Real-Time Data Synchronization

Data synchronization is what makes the integration feel alive. The CDE CAD FiveM resource maintains a persistent connection to the CAD API, pushing updates in near real time. When an officer changes their status in the CAD web interface, the change reflects in-game within seconds. When a player's location changes in-game, the live map updates accordingly. This bidirectional sync creates a unified experience where the web CAD and the in-game world are always in agreement.

The synchronization system is designed to be lightweight on server resources. Rather than constantly polling the API, the resource uses efficient update intervals that balance responsiveness with server performance. Player positions update at configurable intervals, typically every few seconds, while critical events like status changes and panic button activations are transmitted immediately with priority handling.

"The best CAD integration is one players do not notice because it just works. When status changes, lookups, and location updates happen seamlessly between the game and the CAD, that is when integration is truly successful."

In-Game Tablet Configuration

The in-game tablet allows officers to access the full CDE CAD interface without leaving the game. When configured properly, pressing the designated key opens an in-game browser overlay displaying the CAD system. Officers can run lookups, update their status, view active calls, write reports, and access all MDT functions directly from within FiveM. This eliminates the need to alt-tab to a separate browser window, keeping players immersed in the game.

Tablet configuration includes setting the access key binding, display dimensions, auto-login behavior, and default page. CDE CAD supports automatic authentication through the tablet, matching the in-game player to their CAD account using their linked Discord identity. This means officers open the tablet and are immediately logged in and ready to work, with no manual authentication steps required.

Live Map Integration

The live map is one of the most visually impressive features of CAD integration. CDE CAD's live map displays real-time positions of all on-duty units on an interactive map of San Andreas. Dispatch can see where every unit is, track their movement, and make informed assignment decisions based on unit proximity to calls. The map updates continuously as players move through the game world, providing unprecedented operational awareness for dispatch and supervisory staff.

Map integration works through the FiveM resource, which captures player coordinates and heading at regular intervals and transmits them to the CAD API. The web interface then renders these positions on the map with unit identifiers, status colors, and directional indicators. Clicking on a unit marker shows their current status, assigned call, and other relevant information. This integration bridges the gap between the in-game world and the CAD system, giving dispatch a bird's eye view of all operations.

Connect Your Server to CDE CAD

Seamless FiveM integration brings your CAD system into the game for the ultimate roleplay experience.