Imports

Processes all files and their selected settings. Graphical elements are placed in the active file and properties are stored in the file as XFM properties.

Right-click on the Imports folder to create or open an import process. An import process is shown as a numbered item used to store import parameters for the source data. The Imports folder can have multiple numbered imports.

Import – right-click to add a file, directory, or connection to spatial data source, or remove this import. If source data has been added, it is also possible to import the selected source data into the database, preview the database table, select all or none of the source data items, and save the import settings to a new XML file (*.impx) for reuse. If an existing impx file was opened and modified, those changes can be saved. Import contains Spatial Criteria settings that specifies the spatial extents of the import.

Source data (file, directory, connection to a spatial data source) – right-click to import the selected features into the database, preview the feature properties, select all or none of the features, remove the source data item, or set show/hide features settings. Source data includes Spatial Criteria, Import Parameters, and Feature Symbology settings.

Feature – Features contain Spatial Criteria, Import Parameters, and Feature Parameter settings. The graphic used to display the feature indicates the feature type: polygon, point, or line.

Right-click to import the selected features into the project, preview the properties in the data browser, open the Advanced Search dialog to refine which feature instances to import, show the spatial extents, show or hide feature properties, and select all or no properties.

The Show Spatial Extents option places a block in the design file based on the geographic minimum XY coordinates and maximum XY coordinates of the selected feature. The block can be drawn using active element symbology or the symbology from the feature definition. The resulting block can be specified as permanent or transient element.

To initiate the import process, right-click the import, source data or feature and choose Import.

The import process does not reset after completion. If Import is selected more than once, duplicate sets of elements and their features are placed in the file.

Exports

Use the Exports feature to create a new record in the selected file format.

Right-click on the Exports folder to create or open an export process. An export process is shown as a numbered item that is used to store export parameters for the source data. The Exports folder can have multiple numbered exports.

Export – right-click to add an Esri Shapefile file or directory, TAB or MIF file, TAB directory, CSV file or directory, GML file, or Esri File Geodatabase. If a destination format has been added, the export parameters can be saved to a new xml file (*.expx) for reuse. If an existing expx file has been opened and modified, your changes can be saved. Export contains Spatial Criteria settings that specify the spatial extents of the export.

Destination Format (file, directory) – right-click to export the selected features, preview the feature properties, open the Advanced Search dialog to refine which feature instances to export, remove the destination format item, or show/hide features settings. Destination format includes Spatial Criteria and Export Parameters.

Feature – right-click to export the selected feature and properties to the destination format, preview the properties in the data browser, open the Advanced Search dialog to refine which feature instances to export, show or hide feature properties, and select all or no properties. Features contain Spatial Criteria, Feature Parameters and Export Parameters. The graphic used to display the feature indicates the feature type: polygon, point, or line.

After selecting the appropriate destination file type, the available features in the session are listed in the Attached folder. Features defined in the project schema, but not found in the design file are listed in the Not Attached folder. If the selected type is a single file type, then only one feature can be selected for export. If the selected format is a folder or a format that supports multiple features, then multiple features can be selected.

Notes on Export Parameters:

• Overwrite – When set to True, the existing output file is overwritten. If set to False, an existing file will be appended.
• Create 2.5D file(s) – This option is available for SHP files only. When set to True, and the input features are 3D, then the output file will be of type PolylineZ or PolygonZ.

Notes on exporting to 3D:

• SHP files only support simple element types. Complex 3D models must be reduced to shapes and there are several ways to do this. To retain high level MicroStation element types, ensure that you are working on a copy of your model.
  • Solids – Use Drop Element with the Solids option set to To Surfaces.
  • Surfaces – Drop Element will create lines and shapes that will not show the complete surface. Use MicroStation's Mesh from Element to convert the surface to a mesh element. Then use Drop Element with the Solids option set to "To Surfaces" to drop the mesh to a shape.
  • Cones and cylinders – Cones and cylinders contain circular elements that must be converted to polygons before exporting. Use MicroStation's Mesh from Element to convert the surface to a mesh element. Then use Drop Element with the Solids option set to "To Surfaces" to drop the mesh to a shape.

Exporting to GML

Exporting to GML requires two files, a data file and the schema file.

Data file – Browse to a folder and key in a file name for the data file.

Specify Schema (XSD) – Browse to the location of the schema file. If you have an active XFM project, then a schema will be generated from the project and feature definitions. In this case, do not select this option.

The GML format supports multiple features.

Exporting to Esri File Geodatabase

The New Esri File Geodatabase Export dialog require a name and location for the destination file. Esri File Geodatabases can contain multiple features.

The following key-ins interact with the Map Imports/Exports dialog: