Export to GIS

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Introduction

This command exports all points in the drawing, that contain attributes, out to ESRI shape (.shp) files.

These exports include both point-based and string-based data tables, with separate files created per attribute schema. It is especially useful for GIS workflows, spatial analysis, or integration with GPS platforms. This process supports the export of data tied to custom property lists, synchronized with Cogo properties, and filtered through selected point groups

Upon selecting the command the user is prompted to select a save location for the outputs. 

Outputted shape files are named based on the Attribute Table they have associated with them and the object type (Point or Line).

Details

The format of output files is as follows:

Exported_Shapefile_[Table Name]_Points for point type data and

Exported_Shapefile_[Table Name]_Strings for survey string type data

Sync to Cogo Properties	Copies schema attributes to native Cogo point properties so they can be included in exported files. Required before exporting to ensure data is embedded
Select Point Group	Allows filtering/exporting data for specific point groups (e.g., Contourable).
Setup Property List	Opens a tool to select a predefined set of attributes (e.g., Name, Code, Role) that will be exported with each object
Apply Property List	Applies the selected property list to the points, so those fields are included in the export
Export to GIS	Launches the GIS export tool, generating .shp, .dbf, and .idx files for each attribute table (e.g., Exported_Shapefile_Tree_Points, ...Strings)
Export to CAD Table	Optionally outputs the same property data as a Civil 3D table within the drawing
Choose Export Location	Prompts the user to select a folder to save all GIS output files
Separate Tables by Type	Automatically splits data into point and string files for each schema (e.g., Tree_Points.shp, Tree_Strings.shp)

 

Example Output Files

The following files are typically generated after running the Export to GIS command:

File Name	Description
Exported_Shapefile_B_Points.shp	Point geometry file for the 'B' attribute table
Exported_Shapefile_B_Points.dbf	Database file storing attributes for the 'B' point data
Exported_Shapefile_B_Strings.shp	Polyline geometry file for 'B' string data
Exported_Shapefile_B_Strings.dbf	Attribute database file for the 'B' strings
Exported_Shapefile_DPR_Points.shp	Point geometry for the 'DPR' schema
Exported_Shapefile_DPR_Points.dbf	Attributes associated with DPR points
Exported_Shapefile_DPS_Points.shp	Geometry file for 'DPS' points
Exported_Shapefile_DPS_Points.idx	Index file used by GIS software for fast lookup

Each attribute table is exported as a combination of `.shp`, `.dbf`, and optionally `.idx` files depending on the data content.