Geo-referencing

Question

Hi, 
 I loaded a geo-referenced background aerial photo (.bmp + .bpw) and a preliminary pipe alignment shape file into WaterCAD. But apparently the two background layers don't line up in WaterCAD. Note the two layers are projected in two different coordinate systems (State Plane and UTM). So, I have the following questions: 
 
 1. What's causing this? Is that because WaterCAD doesn't support World File (*.bpw) for a geo-referenced image file or because WaterCAD require the same coordinate systems for all background layers? What's your suggestion to resolve this situation? 
 2. At the end of the day, I would like to export the digitized network from WaterCAD into shape files for mapping in ArcGIS, but I only see .dxf file under File->Export. Does WaterCAD support shape file export at all? 
 
 Thank you in advance

Akshaya Niraula · Accepted Answer

Re: Exporting to shapefile, 
 You can do that by going to Flextable. From View > Flextables, open up the table you like and first icon on top left will allow you to export to a shapefile. This link will also so you the steps...

Jesse Dringoli · Answer

If you're looking to turn the Shapefiles into modeling elements, you can use Modelbuilder. 
 Another way to view the attribute table of a Shapefile is to open it in Modelbuilder and click the "Preview" box. 
 If you'd like to see annotated labels of shapefile attributes when added as a background, see this article . 
 If you'd like to use WaterCAD's modeling tools and analysis inside a GIS environment, consider upgrading to WaterGEMS , which can integrate with ArcMap.

Akshaya Niraula · Answer

Hi WaterModeler, 
 I assume, by WaterCAD you mean StandAlone (SA) WaterCAD and SA doesn't understand any coordinate system or projection. What it knows is plane X and Y values. 
 So, if two files are in different coordinate systems, in other words different X and Y then they will be drawn at different locations in the drawing. If doable, convert one of the source file's X and Y so that it will match with the other. 
 Basically, if drawing falls at the same location without any projection in GIS software then it should also line up in SA.

Akshaya Niraula · Answer

Unknown said: Also, is there a way to view attribute of a shape file in WaterCAD SA? WaterCAD SA is more focused on Analysis than GIS/CAD functionality and may be because of that you cannot view the attribute table or data of the shpefile? 
 (Note: You can open up the shapefile. DBF file in MS Excel to view the data) 
 Just curious where do you want to see the attribute of your shapefile, in Background Layers item?

Akshaya Niraula · Answer

The WaterCAD SA is more designed for Analysis so you may not find the GIS features that you are looking for. WaterCAD doesn't have ability as of today to ready the coordinate from any imagery or MrSID files. 
 You can try these options (I am not sure if this is going to help as I haven't tested) 0) Assuming your shapefile lines up in your SA 1) In GIS, add your shpaefile and notice your coordinates and then add image file. 2) If need project the image file such that it will be close (on top of) the shapefile. Make sure the coordinates are close to #1 3) Now, read (may be you can get from properties and some tab like source) the coordinates for four corners or Left, Top, Bottom, and Right 4) In SA, add bmp and when it ask for the coordinates, provide that based on #3. 
 With the above your image may line up correctly.

Jesse Dringoli · Answer

If the background layer is a shapefile, see the link in my previous post regarding annotations. Upgrading to WaterGEMS would also work, as you'd be able to take advantage of the capabilities of ArcGIS with your contours, while doing your hydraulic modeling work in the same interface.