The Import SHP File command converts ESRI SHP files into Carlson
drawing entities and can also optionally write the available
attribute data to an external Access MDB file and create GIS links
between the drawing entities and the records in the database.
Use the Geometry with GIS Data Import Option to accomplish
this. Use the Geometry Only Import Option to just draw the
linework. If you don't need the data, this option is much
faster.
The Import SHP File dialog displays the Output MDB file to add data to and the source SHP file to be imported. SHP files are similar to entities in one layer in CAD. You must specify the table name to store the data in the MDB database and the layer name for the entities to be created. Typically these names are the same or near equivalent as the SHP file name. Once these names are entered, the Import Polylines from SHP button becomes available. Pick this button to import the SHP files entities and database. You can also assign elevations by a specified data attribute.
There are primarily three types of ESRI SHP files: Points, Arcs
and Polygons. Each will provide different options on
Import. Once the SHP file is selected, Carlson detects the
data contents of the file and sets the dialog options for importing
either polygons, arcs or points. Carlson GIS also supports
the use of three other types of SHP files: PointM, PolylineM and
PolylgonM.
Both Arc and Polygon SHP files are brought into Carlson as
polylines in the drawing, with attribute data stored in an external
Access .MDB database file if that option is selected.
Point SHP files are imported in a three step process. The first
step uses the Import SHP File command to create a coordinate file
(.crd) for the points in the SHP file and a corresponding table in
the output MDB file for the points database. The second is to use
Draw Locate Points to draw the points from the CRD file into the
drawing. The third step uses Create Links to select the points in
the drawing and link the database to these plotted points.
Note: If the SHP file you are
Importing is in a different Projection or Units than that specified
in the Drawing Setup, then a transformation will occur during
Import, as long as the (.PRJ) Projection file is present with the
SHP set of files. If there is no (.PRJ) file with the SHP,
then no transformations will occur.
Pulldown Menu Location: GIS Data
Keyboard Command:
import_shp