what is the best way to connect data to map 3D?

[knowledgeseeker985]

Hello, 

I have been using Civil 3D for some times now and i have always imported data by importing .CSV files. recently I have been working with a different department and they use MSP 3D. In most cases the software's are the same. 

Having said that, the new group I have been working for recently, add data by using Data Connect. 

Connection used is "ODBC Connection", Souce type: "Data Source Name (DSN)", data being added is excel file "test.xlsx"  and this method is a nightmare when you have 2 or more people working on the same project, as we have to make sure that the ODBC is Names EXACTLY the same on all workstation's  ODBC Data Source Administrator 64-bit.  

My question is is there a different way we can use, USING DATA CONNECT, to link the file without having to go through the troubles of  windows ODBC Data Source Administrator 64-bit. 

Also I noticed ODBC connections, source type: "Connection strings", i played around with it but couldn't figure out how to use it.  

Thank you for taking the time to help

[ChicagoLooper]

An ODBC links an external datablase, e.g. xlsx, xls, mdb, accdb that you connect, or pair with, your data e.g. shapefile, SDF, etc. The external data enhances or fortifies the existing data in your sheapefile/SDF. It's a powerful tool but establishing the connection itself can be a little clunky/cumbersome. Other programs, such as Global Mapper, facilitate ODBC without making you jump through hoops. 

What kind of feature classes do you primarily work with? Do you work with point, line or polygonal data? What do you connect your your external file to? Shapefile? Is your external data xlsx, mdb or something else? 

There's no right answer to the best way to connect data because many factors are involved: the data you are given or have access to, the data you are able or willing to create, the desired outcome you are trying to achieve, and your know how to get the job done. The best connection for one might be too complicated for another.

Map3D can also create shapefiles and SDFs from scratch in addition to making ODBC connections. M3D can also  connect to rasters such as DEMs and geotiffs. 

Can you upload screenshots showing what you've created with ODBC? (Show both your geometry and your data.)

FWIW, Map3D's two mains strengths are (1) data presentation i.e. how to display data in something other than a spreadsheet or a graph and (2) analytical, because unlike vanilla Cad, M3D can store and process data. 

[knowledgeseeker985]

My external data is xlsx, it contains point ID, Northing, Eastings and elevation, and other information such as horizontal angles and vertical angles. what i do is link my xlsx file to ODBC (user DSN). and then i would link the ODBC to Map 3D (Add ODBC Connection>>> Connection name "Test">>>> Source Type " Data Source Name (DSN)) but doing it this will require to link the xlsx file to ODBC on every machine using the DWG file. sometimes it doesn't link due to Wrong spelling when creating the ODBC.
Long story short.. i have xlsx file with point information. Trying to connect with ODBC, but i dont want to create the ODBC on 10 different computers working on the same project/DWG.
if there is a way to use data connect to link to the xlsx file using the directory that would be great.