Importing a Geodata Base File (.GDB) Into Civil 3D or Map 3D 2019 64 Bit

[Anonymous]

Hello All,

I am trying to import a .gdb file into Civil 3D 2019 64 bit, is this possible? When I connect to the data folder nothing happens.

Thanks

[_Hathaway]

We have our GIS guru convert the files to a SHP file within ArcGIS.  I haven't figured out a way to go directly to Civil3d with a GDB file, but then I didn't try real hard either.  The GIS conversion works just fine.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Mike. If you happen to figure out a way let me know

Thanks,

Darryl

[Anonymous]

Try MAPCONNECT and then Add ArcGIS Connection.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-map-3d/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/EN...

[ChicagoLooper · Accepted solution]

Gdb is not supported by C3D/M3D. You'll have to use ArcMap  or ArcCatalog and export the Feature Class to shapefile. Alternatively, you may also use third party software (e.g. QGIS, Global Mapper) to pull out the shapefile(s) a from the gdb. Once you have the shapefile, you can use Data Connect palette to bring in the ESRI feature data objects or use MAPIMPORT to import the geometry as ACAD drawing entities. Either way provides access to the data.

[mjmcdoDPLV5]

i see! so the add ArcGIS connection and the FGDb button are just place holders for some future release? if Civil 3D wasn't supposed to connect gdb files it would not have these dialog boxes. it has worked for me on earlier releases no problem.

[ChicagoLooper]

You can connct to the GBD using the Data Connect palette. You can then pull out a feature class(es). You can't create a gdb.

[samir_rezk]

Hi @mjmcdoDPLV5 

AutoCAD Map does connect to ArcGIS FGDB directly! However ESRI requires a product license to be available on the same computer, so you’ll need ArcGIS or ArcMAP installed and activated on your computer so that AutoCAD Map can then authenticate and connect to the FGDB.

There was a couple of versions of AutoCAD MAP that could only connect to 32 bit gdb but the latest versions of Civil 3D can now connect again to 64 bit so it’s most likely a licensing issue if you try and it doesn’t work!

Hope this clarifies a little,

[mjmcdoDPLV5]

i have arcgis pro installed on my computer. the gdb file is downloaded from a city jurisdiction.

[ChicagoLooper]

OK, so you have ArcPro installed with a valid license. You have already downloaded your gdb file. To connect to your gdb do this.

Image-1.

Image-2.

Image-3.

Image-3 shows two feature classes: structure (a point feature class) and pipe (a line feature class).

******IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, PLEASE START A NEW THREAD.  USE A DESCRIPTIVE TITLE FOR YOUR NEW THREAD. THANK YOU.******

[cdiaz52]

I found that the Mapconnect function may not allow pulling data directly from geodatabases. You can import the .shp files with MapImport command. The workaround I found was to open the Shapefile window (Mapwspace command) and load data from there. This seems to work when the MapConnect fails. 

Cheers

[jponcini]

If you don't have an arcgis license, I was able to get a gdb file into autocad by uploading it in qgis (which is a free software you can download) and then saving it as a shapefile in there which you can then import into autoCAD using MAPIMPORT

[tfordKC7JP]

How did you upload your gdb file and save as a shapefile in qgis? I downloaded the software, but spending a lot of time trying to figure it out. I am sure it is simple but I can't seem to find this solution in their help files. Thank you!

[ChicagoLooper]

Hi @tfordKC7JP 

You do NOT need QGIS. If you have a file OR personal gdb, assign an appropriate coordinate system to modelspace, then do this after you've assigned your coordinate system.

1. On command line type in MAPCONNECT=>Add ArcGIS Connection=>select File/Personal GDB=>click FGDb button
2. Browse to and select your GDB=>click Connect (wait for the connection to establish)
3. Select/check the feature class=>Add to Map (or Add to Map with Query from dropdown arrow).

Note: Depending on the size of your Gdb, you may have to wait for your gdb to load. 

Oh, and BTW Tina, it is recommended you start a brand new thread. If you wish, in your new thread, you can provide a link to this one.

[jponcini]

This is how I did it: on QGIS go to the Layer tab -> Add Layer -> Add Vector Layer. That will pop up a window that's titled "Data Source Manager | Vector". In that window under "Source" you will browse and put the address of your gdb file (the gdb file converted was also zipped). In the window click Add. QGIs will then plot your gdb file and then on the Layers panel, you should see the layer you just made. Right click it-> Export-> Save Feature As and that will pop up a "Save Vector Layer as..." window where you can pick the format to be an ESRI Shapefile, choose a file name, and pick the coordinate system you want it to have. Click OK to save then boom, you have a shapefile which you can import into Civil 3D

[Muthya]

I am using Civil 3D Version 2022 or 2023.

I am able to import Shape Files or GDB files into Civil 3D.

I am also able to edit attribute fields and / or attribute field names (when imported from Shape files).

Now my challenge is to:

1. Check for Topology errors and edit and save them.
2. Export to FGDB (Save Back?) or publish in Arc GIS online.

Could someone lead my way.

Thanks.

[ChicagoLooper]

Hello @Muthya 

What is your topolgy?
Node, network or polygon topology?

Please explain the purpose of your topology. If you upload screenshots it would be super helpful. 

[Muthya]

Thanks for your kind reply.

I worked through parts of import of shapefiles and ran the "Topology Rules" as "Drawing Clean up" in Planning and Analysis WS. I am attaching the resulting DWG file in zip format (as etransmit, to preserve details, if any)

"Topology Rules.pdf" gives a comprehensive set of rules for various utilities. I have only used those that apply for Points and Lines in the MH, Inlet, Catch basin and Pipelines for a Storm Sewer Utility.

My challenge is to "Export FGDB" or "ArcGIS Publish" or to save back if I start working from a FGDB file instead of Shape Files.

Your help will always be remembered by us.

Thanks.

[Ryan_Rincones]

When choosing "Source" in QGIS, what source type are you using?  The default seems to be "File" but when I pick the .gdb folder, it opens to many individual files,  one of which is just named "gdb" of file type "File".  Choosing this results in a red "Invalid Data Source" warning at the top.  No other files seem plausible.