Bryant Quinney | Applications Expert
When working inside of the Map 3D environment, we frequently have the need to interact with an entity specializing in GIS. Whether that group utilizes Map 3D or an ESRI-based product, we can ensure that our data resolution and relevant data make a seemingly easy transition through the use of Shapefiles.
In this example, we will work with an attached database of an appraisal district. Since the database has a single table that houses all the necessary fields, populated with data, we will not be using Object Data as this will basically double our output.
- With the database connected, and Link Template “designed” from it (as the triangle indicates), we have established a link between our geometry and the database records using the [PROP_ID] column as a lookup.
Note: There is a bonus to establishing a Link Template and generating the link to a representative object, then creating an object class. That link template key shows up in the listing of properties for object classification, so it is automatically added as an entry in the properties of any new classified objects. It is a good practice that you set the default value to a number that will not be found in the database, such as 0 (zero).
- At this point, classify your drawing geometry as you would normally. Because the object class assignment generated a place-holder for our PROP_ID value, we cut out the extra steps it would take to generate the links from the corresponding link template. Now, when you enter the value for the object(s) found in the database, the list of properties populates with those found in the table.
- Using MAPEXPORT, we can export our geometry to a Shapefile, using polygons (in this example) as the object type.
- To include the data for each object found in the database table, in the export dialog box à Data tab, click on the Select Attributes button at the top.
- Expand Link Templates, then place a checkmark next to the name of Link Template that is used in the drawing file.
- On the Options tab, for this data set, we need to place a check mark in the box for treating closed polylines as polygons so that they are properly recognized as such. Click OK to begin the export.
- Since the data is now housed in a .SHP format, we can test out what has been exported to the file set.
- In Map 3D, switch to the Display Manager tab on the Task Pane and click Data à Connect to Data…
- Connect to the SHP data source that was previously created (it is okay to be in the same drawing) and add it to the drawing.
- Inspect the new layer by looking in the table. You should see the entries for your drawing geometry in the same format they were published, according to their corresponding database