No vector layers found in the current drawing

[JBakerVUK8T]

When attempting to use the "Export to FGDB" tool on the Home tab in Map 3D 2025, I get the message "No vector layers found in the current drawing", despite the fact the dwg contains nothing but line work.  Any ideas on why this might be happening?

[ChicagoLooper]

Hi @JBakerVUK8T 

You are clicking the icon (Export to FGDB) shown below:

That command will export FDO vectors you have on your Map Task Pane, such as shapefile, SDF, etc., etc., etc. It won't (and doesn't) work on plain vanilla AutoCAD linework. Map3D, does however, allow you to bring in SHP or SDF, then export either of those to GDB format, which is ESRI's proprietary format. 

Speaking of proprietary formats, AutoCAD has it's own proprietary format called SDF (Spatial Data File) and like GDB, it's also capable of handling multi-class vectors. The bad thing, though, only AutoCAD Map3D/Civil3D can READ SDF's. Too bad it's not shareable with users who don't run AutoCAD M3D/C3D. Unless you and your Team exclusively work in the M3D/C3D environment, the SDF format probably isn't feasible.

<<If you know of another program capable of reading SDF, please share the program's name with the Forum.>>

Another option (whether it's a good option or not is debatable) is to export Multi-Class.

Output Tab=>Map Data Transfer Panel=>DWG to SDF icon (refer to image below).

Typically, when exporting to shapefile, you'd export three times, once for each feature class, i.e., first for your points, a second time for your lines, and third for polygons. That's 3 separate MapExport commands. However, when exporting to shape multiclass, the 3 export operations are done simultaneously so only one export procedure is needed. The output using this workflow will produce extensions shp, dbf, shx, and prj.

Exporting plain vanilla objects (such as points, lines, or polygons) to GDB format isn't supported by Map3D.  

[JBakerVUK8T]

Thanks for the thorough explanation, ChicagoLooper.  I now work almost exclusively in ArcGIS, and when I noticed the FGDB tool after not using Map3D for a while, I was hoping I could export the linework to GDB.  Guess the MAPEXPORT command is still the best way to move data into the ArcGIS environment.

[ChicagoLooper]

@JBakerVUK8T 

If you mostly work in Arc Pro, then the best you can do is export each feature class to shapefile (points, lines, polygons). Then after adding the feature class(es) to Arc Pro you can do your magic and make a new geodatabase.

On the Map3D side, it will let you bring in an existing geodatabase but you cannot use plain vanilla AutoCAD objects to create a brand new GDB. If you want to convert vanilla objects to GDB, then M3D will make you jump through the proverbial hoops.

SDF Format:

You can try this to create a GDB:

1. Draw plain vanilla AutoCAD objects using points, lines, and polygons.
2. Use MapExport command to export those objects to SDF format.
3. Open the SDF in M3D so it appears in modelspace and the SDF is also listed on the Map Task Pane (the data pane).  
4. Finally, export the SDF to GDB. <<Home Tab=>Arc GIS Panel=>Export to FGDB icon>>

Map3D won't let you go from #1 directly to #4.

You need to perform #2 and #3 in between 1 & 4.

*When you export to gdb, M3D is finicky. If you run into problems, try again but this time, try giving the gdb a short, abbreviated name. And try not to use 'special' characters like 'underscore' in the gdb's name.