How to insert dwgs with object data into a new drawing?

[albionpjl]

We're changing our systems and I now have to add object data to all the objects I create.
However, I am unable to combine two dwgs and keep the OD.
If I copy paste from one dwg to the other, the object data doesn't come through.
I tried inserting, first as a block, and then as a dwg reference, but again, no object data.
I tried exporting as shp files and importing those, but some objects lost their layers and all of the object classes turned into Object data instead of object classes.

How do I get my objects from one dwg into another with their object data intact? I need to combine files and not lose the data.

Civil 3d 2018

[albionpjl]

OK. This is peculiar.
I just created a new dwg. drew a couple of objects and added object data. I can paste these into a second drawing and the OD comes through intact.
If I paste from my big site file which I've been working on for the last few weeks, the object data does NOT come through. If I paste from the new dwg intro the big one, the OD does not come through.
The drawings were created using the same template

[Joe-Bouza]

Maybe I’m misunderstanding but don’t you use map query to bring in data from one to another and back

[albionpjl]

I think I've solved it.The data field name in the file I've been working on is slightly different to the field name in the template. I can't rename the field in my finished drawing (bit of an oversight there, Autodesk), but I can change the template.
Having renamed the field in the template, I can paste objects in and they keep their data.

There may be issues with a few of the earlier drawings but maybe it will be ok now.

Is there a way to rename the data field without deleting it?

[albionpjl]

No. That command doesn't seem to do anything. No options to select the dwgs. No idea what it's supposed to do but it doesn't seem to insert drawings.
I found the problem anyway. The data fields were named differently so it wasn't accepting the pasted data.

[Pointdump]

PJ,

Have you tried a Table Join? (Easier in QGIS than Map 3D)

Dave

[albionpjl]

It has to be done before it gets to QGIS.
If I have several dwgs with different OD tables I need to be able to combine them in C3d without losing the OD in one or more of them.

[Pointdump]

PJ,

I meant it might be easier to combine the OD in QGIS and then import the "combined" shapefile into C3D.

You could also do a Table Join in Map 3D.

Dave

[albionpjl]

It doesn't seem to recognise table join as a command.
I tried importing shp files, but I lose the object classes.

[Pointdump]

PJ,

You can only do a Table Join with _MAPCONNECT Data, not _MAPIMPORT. Short Video <<<Here>>>.

Dave

[albionpjl]

Thanks,
I did try that command earlier. Doesn't seem to have a dwg option though.
I'll look at the video tomorrow. I've suddenly got stuck trying to sort out a problem caused by something that someone didn't finish before they left to work elsewhere.
Of course, before we switched to digital, it wouldn't have BEEN a problem because we would have proper hand-drawn plans and written records. This will keep me busy for a bit. I have to reconstruct the data froma few sketches, a few photos, and some scribbled notes.

[albionpjl]

I looked at the video.
Where'd that data table at the bottom come from?
I don't have anything like that visible.

I also haven't found a way to connect anything in QGIS.
I did find out (in C3d) how to import shape files with different data fields and tell the data to go into the data field I have in the open dwg.

[Pointdump]

Hi PJ,

"Where'd that data table at the bottom come from?"

Two ways to show the Table:

Dave

[albionpjl]

Thanks but the table button is greyed out. I can't click on it.

The other things in your image aren't present. Draw order etc.

[Pointdump]

PJ,

You have to select the Layer first.

Dave

[Pointdump]

PJ,

The Table is only available with _MAPCONNECT Data. (Same as Drag-n-Dropping the Shapefile)

Dave

[albionpjl]

What layer? How select?
I tried selecting everything on one layer, but it made no difference.
I want to see thetable for the entire drawing, though. Not just one layer of it.

[albionpjl]

Mapconnect has no options to import dwgs that I can see.
I'm talking about seeing the object data of objects in my drawing.

[Pointdump]

PJ,

"I want to see thetable for the entire drawing, though. Not just one layer of it."

Sorry, you can only see one Layer's Table at a time. But you can do a Join and put together the data from two Layers.

Dave

[Pointdump]

PJ,

"Mapconnect has no options to import dwgs that I can see."

Not drawings--Data, like Shapefiles.

If you have Drawing OD that you want to put together you'll need to _MAPEXPORT to a Shapefile first.

Dave