DGN export to SHP without Bentley MAP

Is there a way to export DGN to SHP file format without having it done in Bentley MAP.

I understand from other forum that InRoads is able to export the DGN to SHP due to the inbuild MAP.

However I noticed this have been taken out in OpenRoads CONNECTION Edition.

We are just assisting our client to export into the required file format only so it don't make sense if I just subscribe and install Bentley MAP just for this exporting only.

Currently we have Microstation CE, OpenRail CE, OpenRoads CE and OpenBuildings CE.

Appreciate any advise.

Thanks.

Parents
  • Hi,

    Is there a way to export DGN to SHP file format without having it done in Bentley MAP.

    when talking about MicroStation-based (power products) only, I think Bentley Map is the only option.

    It makes sense, because SHP is simple GIS format, allowing to store geometry + attributes only, so it's required the data follow defined requirements.

    I understand from other forum that InRoads is able to export the DGN to SHP due to the inbuild MAP.

    Yes, you are right. InRoads and PowerCivil products (I am not sure whether all national variants) contained Bentley Map functionality, plus it was covered by the civil product license.

    Currently we have Microstation CE, OpenRail CE, OpenRoads CE and OpenBuildings CE.

    Unfortunately Bentley Map is not included in OpenX civil products anymore :-(

    I recommend to discuss this issue in civil forum, because whether OpenCities Map (as is Bentley Map named now) functionality will be included into civil products or not is the responsibility of civil team. It was asked many times and the request is recorded (see e.g. this recent discussion), but as far as I know, no expected release datum was announced.

    With regards,

      Jan

    Answer Verified By: mocha 

  • Thank you, Jan, for your prompt reply.

    Though I was hoping there would be a work around amongst the Bentley apps that we currently have, but thanks anyway for confirming that the only way to go is to export DGN to SHP via Bentley MAP app.

    Guess the team will have to spend extra for the Bentley MAP app just for the purpose of converting file format (and nothing else).

    Though it made me wonder as to why Bentley Dev took this out of ORD into a separate paid module where there is still a need for the file integration with other GIS data required apps like ArcGIS? Maybe I'll request for a plug-in enhancement for such feature (much like i-model export plug-in for Revit).

  • Though I was hoping there would be a work around amongst the Bentley apps that we currently have

    If you are SELECT / OpenAccess subscriber, you should be able to install V8i SS10 of InRoads (or other civil product, depending on what license you have). The problem can be that it's not possible (as far as I know) to jump from CE data model back to old versions. But it depends what data you want to export. And I do not know in detail civil products, so it should be discussed in civil forum.

    confirming that the only way to go is to export DGN to SHP via Bentley MAP app.

    I think workaround exist, but it depends on what data you need to export. SHP is simple format, supporting point, line and polygon only, so at first DGN has to be in a structure "exportable" to SHP. Typically geometry can be exported easily (e.g. DXF to SHP or similar way), but when attributes should be maintained, the task is more complicated.

    Though it made me wonder as to why Bentley Dev took this out of ORD into a separate paid module

    It's opposite: Bentley Map (now OpenCities Map) was always separate product. And several years ago, civil team decide it would be nice to have this functionality available in civil products also, so they included the functionality into civil products (technically separate BM license was consumed, but in the price of civil one).

    Because ORD CE is new product, not straight conversion of e.g. InRoads, I guess today situation is a result of balancing between technical complexity, available dev resources and expected business benefits. All these things have to be discussed in civil forum, because it's responsibility of civil products manager (not developers) to decide what functionality will be included.

    there is still a need for the file integration with other GIS data required apps like ArcGIS?

    That's good and important point.

    But, what data should be shared with e.g. ArcGIS? SHP supports 2D simple geometry only, whereas civil models are typically complex 3D.

    Maybe I'll request for a plug-in enhancement for such feature (much like i-model export plug-in for Revit).

    I can imagine (and probably technically not extremely complicated) the way the data will be published to iModelHub (can be done immediately using iTwinSynchornizer and civil bridge) and later exported to proper GIS format (today e.g. export to IFC is supported)-

    With regards,

      Jan

  • Hi. Jan gives a very good answer. I'm interested in better understanding how you would handle exporting your civil design into SHP and what is the intended goal. As Jan points out, civil design might use geometry types that cannot directly be mapped to a SHP file. Is it GIS data that was imported into Civil that you intend to export back? Are you instead trying to update a GIS repository with your asbuilt representation from your civil design? Assuming it is the latter, there might be transformations involved, you might want to map to a known class in your GIS schema, you might want to assign values to properties of that class before posting to your GIS. OpenCities Map contains tools and services to help you achieve that. 

      

Reply
  • Hi. Jan gives a very good answer. I'm interested in better understanding how you would handle exporting your civil design into SHP and what is the intended goal. As Jan points out, civil design might use geometry types that cannot directly be mapped to a SHP file. Is it GIS data that was imported into Civil that you intend to export back? Are you instead trying to update a GIS repository with your asbuilt representation from your civil design? Assuming it is the latter, there might be transformations involved, you might want to map to a known class in your GIS schema, you might want to assign values to properties of that class before posting to your GIS. OpenCities Map contains tools and services to help you achieve that. 

      

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