Importing georeferenced data from ArcGIS

[Anonymous]

Hi. I'm an old school AutoCAD user attempting to import data from ArcMap into AutoCAD Civil 3D 2017. I was able to import the map image using the mapiinsert command. However, I also have vector data I would like to import and have it line up with the aerial. However, importing does not seem to work; I can cut and paste but I don't necessarily have a good reference point to line up the vector data with the raster basemap. Right now it's basically the aerial and parcel data I'm trying to line up although down the road there may be more. any tips are appreciated. Thanks.

[user181 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,  Have you tried using the MAPIMPORT command to import the data?

[_Hathaway · Accepted solution]

Mapimport is the command.  However, you will need to ensure your drawing are setup in the correct coordinate system for everything to import to the correct location.  You can find your coord system settings in drawing utilities>drawing settings.

[ChicagoLooper · Accepted solution]

Where's the vector data? On a server? On someone else's hard drive? Are you dealing with shapefiles? Or a geodatabase? If shapefiles, do you have access to the shapefiles? Find out where they are and memorize the folder location or write it down.

First, you need to determine the coordinate system being used in ArcMap then assign that same CS to your dwg. In ArcMap, right click on the one of the layers=>Properties=>Source tab. Look for 'Projected Coordinate System' and write down the CS. Then assign to your dwg (you can use MAPCSASSIGN).

From ArcMap, determine Coord System.

Import the shapefile. This will take the ArcMap vectors and turn them into Cad entities while maintaining the geospatial reference relative to the CS that you assigned a minute ago. Because they are Cad enities, you'll be able to use all the 'old school' commands and features on them. From Plannning & Analysis workspace, Insert tab>import panel>Map Import icon. Navigate to your shapefile, select it, then OK. (If shapefiles are in same folder, you can use shift+mouse to select more than one, otherwise you have to repeat the process by selecting individually.)

Mapimport dialog.

After you apply the setting above, hit OK to close the dialog. Go to layer manager and change the default colors.

Notes:

1. It may or may not, be better to do all this in a fresh, clean drawing. You can use it as an xref or basemap. You can easily cut/paste from the fresh, clean dwg. The CS in ArcMap is critical so get it right. The CS in your dwg is typically in state plane feet (as far as USA goes). If outside US then you're likely go metric. There are other, more complicated, variations of MAPIMPORT, this is a simple one. 
2. The CS in ArcMap and the CS in your dwg don't have to be the same, they can be different. Cad will, and does, perform a transformation and make one match the other, the catch is Cad must have BOTH CS's in it's library.