SHP Import/Export Utility for Civil 3D

Description

In January 2014, Caltrans began work with Autodesk and Trimble representatives to establish a different method to collect survey and asset data that would leverage the strengths of both applications. The goal was to improve data collection methods in the field while providing attribute rich features that transfer smoothly into Civil 3D (C3D) and other asset management systems. The result of these efforts culminated in the creation of Caltrans Survey Asset Collection (CSAC) using the SHP Import/Export Utility. CSAC data is collected using Trimble Access on Trimble data collectors. The data is transferred to Trimble Business Center (TBC) where it is processed, edited, and exported to SHP files. The SHP files are imported into a C3D drawing, creating AutoCAD Points, COGO Points, Feature Lines, and Polylines, all containing embedded property set data. All corrections and edits to the data are made within TBC, new SHP files are exported, and the data is re-imported and updated in C3D.

Key Learnings

• Understand the purpose of the SHP Import Export Utility for Civil 3D
• Understand how the program converts the SHP file data into Property Set data
• How photos and documents are linked to SHP file data
• Learn how the stylization and query tools are used to control how the data is imported.