AutoCAD Map 3D

[#1]

I am trying to convert Bentley V8 dgn files to AutoCad 3D Maps. If I use "Save as xxxx Autocad drawing" the drawing will come in as an XREF. Many of the reference drawings are lost. there are no completely valid paths to reload them from. As XREFs they are not able to be modified. I am working with maps of a huge facility. I need to use the exiting grid boxes to create individual drawings in autocad. How can I change the dgn file into the dwg file without these problems. I need answers ASAP.
thanks

[#2]

Have you looked at the "map" import command any?

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Murph
www.map3d.wordpress.com


"stevenrosenblum" wrote in message news:6251093@discussion.autodesk.com...
I am trying to convert Bentley V8 dgn files to AutoCad 3D Maps. If I use
"Save as xxxx Autocad drawing" the drawing will come in as an XREF. Many of
the reference drawings are lost. there are no completely valid paths to
reload them from. As XREFs they are not able to be modified. I am working
with maps of a huge facility. I need to use the exiting grid boxes to create
individual drawings in autocad. How can I change the dgn file into the dwg
file without these problems. I need answers ASAP.
thanks

[#3]

It would help if we knew what version of Autocad you are working with. As Murph has pointed out, you need to use the Map Import command. If you use an older version of Autocad (pre "ribbon" interface), go to the MAP drop-down menu, select TOOLS, then choose IMPORT. Alternatively, you could just type _mapimport in the command line.

If you are using a later version (with the ribbon interface), then you will find the same command in the HOME TAB, then in the DATA PANEL, you will find IMPORT FROM FILES. (The Icon looks like a sheet of paper with an arrow)

Now you need to do two things in the MAP IMPORT /open window. Find your file location folder and be sure to change the "files of type" to "microstation files '*.dgn'". After you find your file and file type, select ok and move on to the next screen which is the import window. Here you will need to choose the settings of your import. Do you know the coordinate system? Is this a line-work drawing or polygon drawing (like a parcels map)?
I've not messed with the "Driver Options" window before, but inside the Driver Options window, you will find some settings about the file to import. You mention your files has reference files attached. You may want to experiment with the setting to "create dwg". I've not had a need for it, but it sounds usefull.

From the help file:
"Select Create DWG to read all external reference files (xrefs) attached to the source data set. If the reference file has nested references, they are also imported, but circular references are not. If you select this option, you specify a location for the folder for these files. If the folder already exists, you can choose to replace it (overwrite its contents) or cancel and specify a different location. The default folder location is the same as the selected DGN file location. If you select Ignore, reference files are not imported and you cannot change the location of the folder."

For the most part, if you just want to get the data into cad, ignore the driver options screen and just hit ok. After the progress comes up, do a "zoom, extents" to see your data.

The map import command can be a very powerful and useful tool. I highly recommend you spend some time learning about it from the help files (F1 while in autocad, then search for mapimport).