Problems exporting to KML(Z)

[FJankovsky]

I'm trying to export map features which appear to be like a polyline to KML/Z format.  I select the objects and then in the export dialog it shows 0 items selected even though the command line is showing one or more objects selected.  Is it not possible to export these Map Features?  I know that I've had at least one select and export so this has me confused.

Thanks.

[parkr4st]

what is the file type for the features?  Mapexport to kml works from dwg objects, not map features.  if it is .shp drag and drop it to google earth and use GE to save to the kml.

dave

[FJankovsky]

Thanks for the reply.

The file type is SHP.  I assume you mean to drag and drop the entire SHP file to GE, and not just the specific feature or features that I want.  I tried to drag and drop the lines and had no luck.  Since the file is large and contains hundreds of lines I was looking for a way to simply move a few selected ones.  Any ideas?

[parkr4st]

mapimport with a query with  the data needed & attributes to object data.  that data set can be mapexport to a new .shp or exported to a kmz file.

also read this thread https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-map-3d-forum/mapexport-produces-no-results/m-p/9543916#M57063

it is about the same topic

dave

[FJankovsky]

Not familiar with mapimport with a query.  Do I perform that query on the existing open map?  I see from the linked thread that there unresolved issues with exporting to kml/z.

Thanks

Frank

[parkr4st]

the import selection can be by area, data attribute, geometric value.

what do you have for the factors to determine what subset of the shp data is wanted?

[FJankovsky]

I guess I'm getting over my head at this point.  I'm new to the whole GIS Map arena and I'm not familiar with a lot of the terms and techniques. 

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what do you have for the factors to determine what subset of the shp data is wanted?

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As far as the factors to determine the subset, if I'm understanding you correctly it would be  by selecting an area on the map that contains the "Polylines" that I would like to be able to export. 

[ChicagoLooper]

While in GE Pro, zoom in tight to your target area. While still in GE Pro, go to File=>Import and bring in your shapefile. You'll get a message informing you you have a lot of data, e.g. hundreds of lines. At this point, you'll be given options to reduce, or limit, the amount of data to bring in, and here, you can choose the option to bring in data limited to your current view or zoom level. 

If you don't want to choose lines based on your current zoom level and want to choose lines selectively, then you'll have to use MAPIMPORT and import the shapefile. This will result in AutoCAD line work that's geospatially positioned in modelspace. From here you can use MAPEXPORT to create a new shapefile containing only lines chosen by you.

Notes:

1. During MAPIMPORT you can 'Create Object Data' which effectively retains the attribute data that's associated with the line work. The attribute data is taken directly from the shapefile's dbf. Click on an imported line and scroll to bottom of Properties Palette where you can view the OD. When you export the lines back to shapefile, you can include the OD so it will populate the shapefile's dbf.  
2. When using MAPIMPORT on a shapefile, you don't have to import the entire shapefile, you can use a bounding box to limit the amount of lines you're importing to modelspace. Once the lines are in modelspace, you can selectively pick lines, on a line-by-line basis, which ones you want to export back to shapefile.

[FJankovsky]

Looper,

Thanks for this information it is quite helpful for my general use.  You seem to be knowledgeable about GE Pro so let me explain what I'm actually doing. 

I have to share fiber optic routes with potential customers and these routes are often a combination of many smaller segments.  The clients are looking for overall distances and routes, so a single route in GE is the desired output.  As you know there's no way to split or join routes in GE.  (There are some web sites that will split them).

I can build long routes or split routes in Map much easier with pedit, so I export kmz's to Map, edit them into a single polyline and export them back to GE and ultimately on to the client.  As of yesterday after being frustrated by not being able to export the map features I have now imported my SHP into GE, then saved it back out as a kmz and created a separate map file for this type of editing.  This seems to be the simplest solution with my knowledge of MAP.  If you have a simpler work flow I'm all ears.

Thanks

Frank

[ChicagoLooper · Accepted solution]

Yes, you are correct. While in GE Pro, you can't join individual line segments to create a single long line.

Use PEDIT while in Map3D to join the line segments and create one long fiber optic route. If you want to offer three route options to your client, create three separate layers with Layer names such as: Option-1, Option-2 and Option-3. After using PEDIT on the first route, place it on Option-1 layer. Put the second route on the Option-2 layer and use Option-3 layer for the last option. 

Use MAPEXPORT command to export all 3 routes in a single kml. On the SELECTION TAB, select the 3 route options. On the DATA TAB, click Select Attributes=>Expand Properties=>Check LAYER and check LENGTH=>OK. See image below. You can leave the the 3rd tab named Options as is.

The Layer and Length attributes will appear in the Output Field column. Click OK to complete the Mapexport procedure.

In GE PRO go to File=>Open=>Browse to and open the new KML. Your kml will appear in the Temporary Places panel on the left. Zoom in to the fiber routes in the map area and hover your cursor over a route. A popup will appear and indicate the layer and the length.

To save the kml, right-click on the KML under the Temp Places section and choose Save Place As from the shortcut. You can now email your new kml to your client.

If your client wants (or needs) to edit the kml that's possible in GE Pro. Then, after editing, he may email the edited version back to you by right-clicking the kml in the Places Panel and choosing email from the shortcut. On your end, you can use MAPIMPORT to bring in edited version. The kml will be imported as AutoCAD line work. As long as you have an appropriate coordinate system assigned to your drawing, the kml will plop down correctly. You can verify location by turning on Bing Hybrid Map.