shrug-l: Problems with DWG 2007 Files in ArcGIS 9.1

[Tripp Corbin]

We have used TurboCAD in the past to open and recover DWG's that gave AutoCAD fits. It is a nice scaled down product. We have also used IntelliCAD as well. It is similar in price to TurboCAD but offered support for more functions such as raster images, Lisp routines, and more that TurboCAD did not.
 
Tripp Corbin, GISP
ESRI Authorized Instructor
Keck & Wood, Inc.

________________________________

From: shrug-l-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us on behalf of Sykes, John
Sent: Wed 9/13/2006 9:09 AM
To: Johnson, Valerie; shrug-l at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: RE: shrug-l: Problems with DWG 2007 Files in ArcGIS 9.1


Thanks for the heads up.  Just downloaded that converter.
 
On the same subject, if anyone out there has the occasional need to edit CAD files, but doesn't need the full power of AutoCAD, there is a new version of TurboCAD, called TurboCAD Deluxe V12, by IMSI, which will allow you to do some basic editing of CAD files before bringing them into ArcGIS.  I think the price tag is around $99 at discount stores (Office Depot).  This sure beats any AutoDesk software, with AutoCAD LT now starting at $899.
 
I talked to IMSI about the DWG file version issues and they told me that they keep updating their file reading capabilities and make the patches available on their website.  TurboCAD will also read Microstation file formats (I think they're DGN???).
 

-- John 

 

________________________________

From: shrug-l-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us [mailto:shrug-l-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Johnson, Valerie
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 8:35 AM
To: shrug-l at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: shrug-l: Problems with DWG 2007 Files in ArcGIS 9.1



Do you use DWG files in ArcGIS 9.1?  Then here's information you need to be aware of. 

AutoDesk 2007 has a new DWG format that won't work in ArcGIS 9.1.  ArcGIS 9.2 will be able to read the new DWG format, but it hasn't been released yet.  Tripp Corbin, an ESRI authorized GIS instructor, said "AutoCAD 2007 does have a new DWG format that currently can not be read by ArcGIS 9.1 or earlier.  However, AutoCAD 2007 is capable of back-saving to past versions that ArcGIS 9.1 can use.  Also, if CAD users are using Map, Land Desktop or Civil 3D, they can export to shapefiles, which would allow them to maintain object data if they are using it."

However, if your computer is running Windows XP, beware of back-saving using AutoDesk 2007!  Some CAD users at the City of Tallahassee have determined that if your computer is running Windows XP, back-saving a DWG to an older version causes problems.  Instead, if you want to use a DWG 2007 file in ArcGIS 9.1, convert it to an older version using a free AutoDesk utility called "DWG TrueConvert" (convert to version 2004, 2000, release 14; AutoDesk 2004 to 2006 are similar file formats).  The utility is easy to use and runs outside of AutoCAD, so GIS users do NOT need AutoCAD installed on their computers.  You can download the free conversion utility at:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=7024151 

*********************************************************** 
Valerie Johnson 
GIS Analyst 
City of Tallahassee Stormwater Management Division 
(850) 891-6857 
johnsonv at talgov.com 

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