ESRI License to import geodatabase to Civil 3D

[AllenJessup]

I understand that to work with an ESRI geodatabase I will need an ESRI License or Licenses. After searching for information on what License I would need. I haven't found a definitive answer. Of course. We'd be looking for the least costly one since having it there for attaching the database to Civil 3D.

I do have an older copy of QGIS. But I'm not suppose to be using it.

If anyone could give me a solid answer. I'd appreciate it.

@ChicagoLooper @Pointdump 

[Todd_Rogers]

Hey Allen. Yes, you need an Enterprise license.

[AllenJessup]

Thanks Todd. Sounds expensive.

[Todd_Rogers]

I'm pretty sure it is. If you look at the pricing for it, it says to call. 🙄

[AllenJessup]

I found some pricing on our state contract. Of course they're difficult to read. But it looks like it's anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Not going to happen. I think I'll look into Civil 3D Tools from dotsoft.com.

[ChicagoLooper]

@AllenJessup 

Find out if your organization has a ‘network’ license (as opposed to a stand alone) where your employer manages the distribution of a group of shared licenses.

As long as there’s an available ‘seat’ you can run the program. All you’d have to do (or IT has to do) is install Arc Pro so you can use it when you’re ‘connected’ to your firm’s server. That way your workstation can access the license.

Of course, if you work remotely (remote work seems to be the norm and no longer the exception) you’ll need a VPN connection to tap into the server. Without the server you have no license and without a license you have no access to Arc Pro. 

[AllenJessup]

@ChicagoLooper 

Thank you. I'll check that out. No remote work at the moment.

[Neilw_05]

AFAIK ADESK no longer offers network licenses. We had to convert our Network license to 2 standalone AEC Collections a year or so ago. Is anyone still using network licenses? If so I'd like to know about it.

It is absurd to be forced to spend thousands of dollars to import a geoDataBase. GIS data is the most widely accessible geodetic data there is. The Geodatabase was designed to simplify the exchange of GIS data. Most of that data is already avaiIable for free. If they are going to put a price on it, then let's stay with the old formats and put it to rest.

It has been awhile since I dealt with a GDB in ACAD. As I recall there are free tools that will convert them to shp.

[AllenJessup · Accepted solution]

I did get QGIS to create a SHP file. But it wouldn't come in to Civil 3D. I'm looking at the Dotsoft Civil3DTools. There is a GDB Import - Export tool. I've also talked to a friend about the company he works at doing a conversion. BTW. He says that the ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Standard license will allow C3D to link to the GDB. But I'm not paying $3,000 a year for that!

[Todd_Rogers]

Look into Global Mapper. I love it and have used it for years. You can reproject to any coordinate system with a click of a button. Then you can export to just about anything. Not to mention, it will open a TON of files.

[ChicagoLooper]

@AllenJessup 

OK, so you pulled the feature class from the gdb then tried to open it in Civil 3D without success. Are you able to open that new shapefile in QGIS? 

How about opening the shapefile in Google Earth Pro. Go to File>>Import>>change ‘file type’ to ESRI (*.shp)>>Browse to and select your shapefile>>Open. Then scroll to bottom of Places Panel on left and check the box next to the newly added shapefile. 

[AllenJessup]

@ChicagoLooper 

Yes. I can open the SHP file in QGIS. I don't have Google Earth Pro.

[Neilw_05]

This worked for me. I was able to import the shape files into C3D. I was using data from a FEMA Flood geodatabase.

[AllenJessup]

The current plan is for our Planning Dept. to export SHP files for us.