XFM Properties
Bentley Map stores business properties in two ways; XFM-DGN and XFM-RDBMS. An XFM feature instance can have both types of business properties simultaneously.
XFM-DGN
XFM-DGN properties are stored in the design file itself along with the graphic element that defines the feature. XFM-DGN properties are created by XFM feature commands that create features with properties defined to be XFM-DGN, based on their definition from the Bentley Geospatial Administrator. They are also created when GIS data is imported through the Interoperability tools and when working with any of the supported spatial databases. XFM feature instances can also be created and manipulated with custom applications written using the Bentley Map API.
XFM-RDBMS
XFM-RDBMS business properties are those that are stored in an external RDBMS database linked to the graphic element that defines the feature. These properties are stored as defined by MicroStation when linking to an external database. That is they have both an ENTITY and MSLINK number stored in a MicroStation attribute linkage on the element which correspond to the table and row in that table in the external database.
XFM-DGN in Bentley Map V8i (SELECTseries 3) and Later
XFM-DGN business properties have a new format starting in Bentley Map V8i (SELECTseries 3). The old format properties can still be reviewed, but cannot be edited, in Bentley Map V8i (SELECTseries 3) or later.
Some users also need to transform their XFM-DGN files into standard DGN file. To execute any of these transformations, select the MicroStation command and select the proper option.
Batch Convert Files to the New XFM Format
Bentley Map leverages the MicroStation Batch Convert utility to bulk convert files to the new XFM format. For full details on the Batch Convert utility, see the MicroStation help.
The default when saving as V8 files is to convert from 8.11.7.xx format to the new 8.11.9.xx format. To adjust this setting, select
in the Batch Convert dialog. Then set the correct option in the XFM tab of the Save As V8 Options dialog as shown above.