During import, AutoCAD Map 3D copies data from the input file into the active AutoCAD Map 3D drawing and converts the data to drawing objects.
Connecting to Data Directly vs. Importing
You can work with your data using or by importing it.
When you use (from ), you view and edit data in its source. Edits are saved back to the source. The data stays in its original location.
When you import data, you make a copy of the data and bring that copy into your map. When you edit the data, you are editing
the copy. The original data is unchanged.
For some formats, such as MicroStation Design (DGN), Arc/INFO, and SDF 2 (Autodesk MapGuide 6.5 and earlier), you can only
import and export the data. For most other formats, you can either connect directly to the data or use import and export.
For more information, see Overview of Bringing In GIS Features.
Before You Import a File
Before you import a file, determine the following:
- Determine whether to limit the import to the current display area or to an area that you define.
- Decide where to put objects: on an existing layer in the map, on a new layer, or on a layer specified in the file you are
- Determine which incoming data values to use to populate the object class data fields, and decide how to handle data values
that do not fall within the acceptable object class range (keep them as-is or assign them default object class values).
- Assign a coordinate system to the current AutoCAD Map 3D drawing. You need to know which coordinate system is used with the input files.
- Determine whether to import the data as object data or as external data, and whether to use an existing table or create a
- Import point objects as points, text, or blocks. When you import as blocks, be sure you have copied the block you want into
the AutoCAD Map 3D drawing.
For information on importing specific formats, see the following:
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Overview of Converting Geospatial Data to Drawing Objects