Converting GIS Data into AutoCad Map 3D

[Anonymous]

To any whom might have additional knowledge, 

Before creating a new thread, I did spend two hours searching the forums for someone whom might have had a similar problem but, alas to no avail. 

I am currently trying to help an office-mate convert Trimble GPS Pathfinder Data into usable shapefiles for AutoCAD Map 3D.

My position is to handle the GIS Mapping side of a resource department for a Forest Preserve, while my office-mates role is Forest Preserve Land Planning, for which he uses AutoCAD Map 3D. I have ZERO issue using the collected data and corresponding shapefiles on the GIS end of this project, I can easily upload the data and overlay it correctly to scale when using ArcMap 10.1. The issue comes up when we attempt to transfer those files into usuable data for AutoCAD Map.

Our sample data is a polyline path that loops around a lake, so the shape of the data is easy to recognize. 

We have tried using the suggested FDO Data Connection option talked about in the input GIS Data thread. This does not work properly.

When using it, the data does upload to the current map displayed in AutoCAD Map however, both the location and scale of the data is off by a whole order of magnitude. It appears far away from the specified coordinates and the data appears at a much smaller scale. 

Any thoughts or suggestions to resolve this issue would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you in advance for any time spent searching/posting a solution.

-CP

[parkr4st]

you have *.shp file set that works OK in ARCMap?  It should work fine in Map3d

In map3d you have the coordinate sytem set prior to adding the *.shp?

can you post the data?

Have you tried deleting the index file (*.idx) in set and then putting it into Map3D?

Dragging and dropping the *.shp into an empty Map3d map should work and set the coord sys.

Try exporting the data from ArcMap to a new *.shp. making sure to select the coord system.

Try map import command to see if the data can be converted to dwg objects select object data to import if you want it.

post your results with questions

dave

[Anonymous]

Dave,

Thank you for the response. 

We have worked around the issue, but in an unexpected way. Given that my office-mate is unfamiliar with GIS jargon and of an increased age, he seemed to want to move on to something else he could see progress with. Unhappy spending almost a full day on trying to get around this issue by doing Internet research, he seems much like a grandfather resistant to today's changes in technology, uncomfortable stepping into unfamiliar territory.

So, rather than continuing to spin our wheels, we changed tactics altogether. Given that he owns an iPhone, we downloaded the iGIS app; iPhone's free app for GIS tracking. The app is very user friendly and it was easy to set up and assign coordinates. Making sure to match recording coordinates to the same system his office maps use, we sent him outside to take a loop around the lake with the app recording his steps forming a polyline data file. 

Once the data was recorded on the phone, it was time to extract the file from the phone to his desktop. The information comes off the phone in a compressed file folder. Once I taught him how to uncompress the folder and properly store his files to keep them organized, we opened up the AutoCAD Map the new data would correspond with and connected to where the new shapefile was stored. The new data overlaid near to perfectly, in the proper location and at the right scale.

So while this solution does not directly address the issue I first asked about, if anyone still has input on how to properly do the Trimble GIS Data to AutoMap conversion, I would still be interested on how to get around this. What if my next office-mate doesn't have an iPhone...or happened to have an Android or even an outdated flip-phone. We would still be spinning our wheels.

Thanks again.

-CP  

[Anonymous]

I was just prompted from AutoDesk auto reply system to review this topic for an accepted solution. In truth, the response from Dave did not solve my problem and thus does not qualify as an Accepted Solution. Still awaiting additional feedback. 

Thanks.  

-CP

[Anonymous]

As someone that uses both quite a bit I may be able to help you. Basically my work flow goes as this: I build my ddf and what not and put it on the trimble. Then I go out and shoot my points, lines, and polygons. Then I bring the rover back to the office. I use a trimble Geo7x, probably the same process, but just in case, it's worth mentioning. So I open pathfinder and select my project, and then I go to the utilities button at the top, and select data transfer. I can't ever remember whether it should be on the send or receive tab, but it should be obvious when you browse for the file. so once you've browsed for the file, you then transfer it from the trimble, to the computer. Now it should make an ssf file and store it in a predesignated location based on what project you selected in the beginning. Now whether you need to post process or not depends on if you go that route or are real time processing while you shot. Once the file has been transferred and processed if need be, you now go to the utilities button again, and select export. A new window will open and you should browse for it the file that was just transferred, if it doesn't auto-populate for you. Then select your output folder, and make sure your export setup is "Sample ESRI Shapefile Setup". Others will work, but shapefiles are in my opinion and most others' the easiest and most popular to work with. then you need to go to the properties button. Here you will walk through the tabs. A lot of these will be relevant to you and not to me, so I won't be of much help for them. You should now make sure your units are correct for the rest of your data, on the position filter screen make sure you have the box for Uncorrected marked under "Include positions that are". We had a problem with that for a bit. Then set your coordinate system. I assume you already know what one you will be working with. Then find the projection file for that coordinate system at the bottom. If when you select browse, it doesn't take you to a location that contains projection files, mine were saved in a folder called pfo setup that was given to me with the software by the trimble reps. You could search for that. Now you should have your exporting format set up properly, so go ahead and do that. Now open map3d, and select your accompanying coordinate system in there either by selecting the button for it at the bottom of the screen or using the command "MAPCSASSIGN" Once you have your coordinate system selected, if you don't have imagery for the area or you suspect it may not be in the correct coordinate system for your data, use the command "GEOMAP" and acces live maps from Bing. Once that is loaded, simply find the shapefiles you selected, and drag and drop the ones with a .shp file extension into your viewport and they should go in. Hope that helps you!