Importing contours from an ArcView Shapefile

Posted by Scott McEachron on Thursday, December 11, 2008 · 3 Comments 

Importing an ArcView Shapefile is easy in the Civil 3D, or MAP 3D environment, once you understand a shapefile is not a single file, but a dataset containing several files.

The first step in the process is to import the data. There are several methods for initializing the dialog box, but I use the MAPIMPORT command. I created a quick (and I do mean quick – it may not be the prettiest thing you’ve seen, but it’ll get the point across) video that outlines the process:

Step 1: Import data

The second step is to save the drawing, start a new drawing, attach the first using the MAP Taskpane, query the contours, and physically alter their elevations using the object data. I’ve created a short video that outlines the process:

Step 2: Attach, Query, Alter Properties

Once you get the hang of it, the process of importing shapefiles is painless and exceptionally powerful.

Civil 3D Tutorials*
Register Today to access to our comprehensive library of Civil 3D Tutorials for as low as $20.

*Access to the Library is a free service to our clients.

Filed under AutoCAD Civil 3D · Tagged with ,

Comments

3 Responses to “Importing contours from an ArcView Shapefile”
  1. TommyNewton says:
    April 29, 2009 at 8:38 am

    Scott,
    Selecting Step 1 or 2 above takes me to this:

    The page you tried to access does not exist on this server. This page may not exist due to the following reasons:

    You are the owner of this web site and you have not uploaded (or incorrectly uploaded) your web site. For information on uploading your web site using FTP client software or web design software, click here for FTP Upload Information.

    The URL that you have entered in your browser is incorrect. Please re-enter the URL and try again.

    The Link that you clicked on incorrectly points to this page. Please contact the owner of this web site to inform them of this situation.

    I have seen these videos before but can not seem to find them here or on your former blog. Is there another way to access them.

    Thanks,

    Tommy

  2. Scott McEachron says:
    April 29, 2009 at 8:44 am

    Hi Tommy,

    I’m not sure why, but the file naming convention from my internet provider has changed. I’ve updated the links for you. Thanks so much,
    Scott

Trackbacks

Check out what others are saying about this post...
  1. Locating GIS data as a CAD user. » Paving the Way says:
    December 18, 2008 at 3:03 pm

    [...] USGS has made available QUAD grids. These ArcView Shapefiles are embedded in zip files and can be downloaded from the GIS Data Depot found [...]



Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...

You must be logged in to post a comment.