Exercise 4: Use Data Connect

Exercise 3: Query in data from the drawing

Lesson 1: Use Multiple Sources

Exercise 5: Add a raster image

 

AutoCAD Map 3D Tutorials > Tutorial: Building a Map > Lesson 1: Use Multiple Sources > 

Exercise 4: Use Data Connect

Use Data Connect to connect your map to a file containing parcel data.

Use the Data Connect dialog box to attach any non-DWG data source: database formats, such as ArcSDE, Oracle, or SQL Server; an ODBC source, such as Microsoft Access; a raster file; web-based sources such as WMS or WFS; or spatial data files, such as SDF and SHP.

Data Connect displays information about all attached non-DWG data sources, even if you didn’t use Data Connect to attach them. For example, the SDF file you dragged and dropped into your map is listed in the Data Connect dialog box.

To use Data Connect

1. If you have not already done so, copy the \Program Files\AutoCAD Map 3D 2009\Help\Map 3D Tutorials folder to My Documents.
   NoteThe location of My Documents varies, depending on your operating system. For Microsoft Windows XP, it is usually C:\MyDocuments. For Microsoft Vista, it may be C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\Map 3D Tutorials.
2. In the BuildMap1.dwg file, in Display Manager, click Data Connect to Data.
3. Under Data Connections By Provider, select Add SDF Connection.
4. Click the file icon next to Source File.
5. Navigate to the folder in My Documents where you copied the sample files and select Parcels.sdf. Click Open.
6. Click Connect to add the parcel data file as a data source.
7. Under Add Data To Map, select Parcels.

   The coordinate system for this feature class is displayed next to its name. If this information was incorrect, you could click the current coordinate system listing to see a down arrow and select a different coordinate system.

   NoteDo this only if you know the original coordinate system for the feature—do not change the coordinate system to match your map. AutoCAD Map 3D converts each feature from its own coordinate system into your current map’s coordinate system automatically. If you change the coordinate system, the conversion may not be correct.
8. Click Add To Map.

   

   In the Data Connect dialog box, connect to a data provider and then select the feature class you want.

   When you click Add To Map, a layer called Parcels is displayed in the list in the Display Manager. A layer can be styled, saved, displayed, or hidden, independent of other layers in your map.

9. Click File menu Save to save your work.

To continue this tutorial, go to Exercise 5: Add a raster image.