ArcGIS 10 and extended entity data

[MarkCederholm]

Although ArcGIS 10 claims to read entity-linked attributes, it still doesn't dynamically read extended entity data (EED).  As far as I can tell at this point, the only geoprocesssing tool that gives me access to EED is Import From CAD, which has been deprecated.  Is there another, better way to import CAD features with EED?

[AnantThunuguntla]

Although ArcGIS 10 claims to read entity-linked attributes, it still doesn't dynamically read extended entity data (EED).  As far as I can tell at this point, the only geoprocesssing tool that gives me access to EED is Import From CAD, which has been deprecated.  Is there another, better way to import CAD features with EED?

Hi Mark,


Using xdata for attaching attribute information to AutoCAD entities has been replaced with an automated implementation of AutoCAD xrecords that is integrated with the Export To CAD tool for supported direct-read DWG formats. AutoCAD xrecords are similar to xdata but not limited by size or order.
The Export To CAD tool provides the following out-of-the-box functionality:

• By default, output to DWG formats (version 2007 or higher) includes CAD-defined feature class schemas and attributes attached to AutoCAD entities.


• For each input feature class, the Export To CAD tool embeds a feature class definition in the AutoCAD drawing file, comprising the default AutoCAD entities that are generated for the feature. All feature attributes are exported as AutoCAD xrecords and linked to the appropriate entities. Similarly, the coordinate system is also exported and embedded in the DWG file.


• CAD-defined feature classes are directly usable by ArcGIS, and they can be edited in the AutoCAD application using ArcGIS for AutoCAD. You can also export empty feature classes to generate schema-only DWG files.


• This geodata is nongraphic and does not interfere with standard AutoCAD geometry or native functionality. The AutoCAD xrecord objects that define the feature classes and coordinate system are stored in a standardized framework of AutoCAD object dictionaries. Similarly, entity-linked attributes are stored in the AutoCAD extension dictionary referenced by each entity.

For detailed information about how this data is structured, reference the ESRI document Mapping Specification for CAD available on the ArcGIS for AutoCAD Resource Center.

[MarkCederholm]

I'm receiving drawings from an external source for input into ArcGIS, not the other way around.  If the next version of their in-house software uses entity-linked attributes then that's fine.  But for now I'm stuck with trying to import EED attributes.

[AnantThunuguntla]

I'm receiving drawings from an external source for input into ArcGIS, not the other way around.  If the next version of their in-house software uses entity-linked attributes then that's fine.  But for now I'm stuck with trying to import EED attributes.

Hi Mark,

Please contact tech support and they should be able to help you out.

[PaulLohr]

Are xrecords only accessible using ArcGIS for AutoCAD?