GIS Database Settings

This command is the initial step to setup Carlson GIS routines. The user need to provide the GIS Features File name and Data Format type for the current drawing. 

The GIS Features file (.GIS) includes the structure of the GIS features and their attribute, and it is defined in the Define GIS Features command.

The Data Format defines the type of data format and its stored location.

Currently, the GIS Data Formats include Database, Map Object Data, ESRI MSC and ESRI GeoDatabase. 

The Database includes 3 types, Carlson Database(.DB), SQLite/SpatiaLite(.sqlite) , and ODBC Database.  Carlson Database stores data in an external database in a SQLite format and the data schema is Carlson defined.  The SQLite/SpatiaLite stores date in SQLite format(.sqlite) with spatial capabilities, and the data schema is user defined.  The SQLite/Spatialite DB can be added into QGIS layer and it is also supported by ArcGIS 10.2 and above.  This database can be read/write between Carlson GIS and ArcGIS/QGIS.  The ODBC connection use Data source name to connect to third party database.  The data schema is user defined, and it can be used by both Carlson GIS and other third party.  Currently, only PostgreSQL has been tested.  It is recommended to use Carlson DB if no external usage is needed. 
 

For Carlson Database and SQLite/SpatiaLite need to specify the database name.  For the ODBC connection, Data Source needs to be setup ahead of time. Please see How to Setup ODBC Data Source.  Only import_odbc function allows to save GIS Data in ODBC database.

Map object data is attached to an individual object and stored in the object data tables in the drawing.  Map Object Data is limited to Autocad Map 3D only.  The Esri MSC Data stores the GIS data within the drawing file in a format that both Carlson and Esri use. Esri added support for MSC from ArcGIS V9.3. The ESRI MSC structure makes the DWG file a type of geodatabase with all the feature definitions, GIS data and geometry stored in the file. 

The Enable Store/Read Point GIS Data to/from SQLite (CRDB) File  option provides an easier transferal method to and from data used in SurvCE/PC and Carlson Office products. The CRDB file format is based on SQLite structures. The CRDB format contains the same data as a CRD format but with extra information like GIS data and photos links. If Enable Store/Read Point GIS Data to/from SQLite (CRDB) File is OFF, the GIS data will be stored in a VTT format file.

If Spatialite DB/ODBC DB/ESRI FileGeoDB are selected, then there are special setup for the projection in the Settings/Drawing Setup dialog.  Please see how to setup Projection for these GIS Data Format in Drawing Setup.