Shape file ArcGIS to dgn including color composition

IIRC, the resymbolization of polygons (as with attribute annotation*) in shapefiles is performed within the ESRI application itself and is not saved to the SHP triumvirate (*.shp, *.shx, *.dbf) itself.  Perhaps instead recalled via a project file or other mechanism.   The custom app provided below may of course circumvent that somehow and allow preservation of the symbology through the export process.

Bentley Geospatial products such as GeoGraphics (supplanted as of 08.09.xx.xx by Bentley Map), PowerMap, Bentley Map et al, do include the ability to import/export SHP file data, however, 'out of the box' resymbolization would need to occur based on the imported attributes subsequent to a successfull import

Bentley Map Documentation (Interoperability Section) http://docs.bentley.com/en/Map/MicroStationMaphelp51.html
GeoGraphics Documentation: http://docs.bentley.com/en/GeoGraphics/index.php

For V8 2004 series users (e.g. GeoGraphics 08.05.02.35 on suitable MicroStation release, you may be interested in referring to the following Client/Server articles in addition to the product documentation.
Importing: http://selectservices.bentley.com/en-US/Support/Documentation/Client+Server/2004/12+April+2004.htm?currentYear=2004
Exporting: http://selectservices.bentley.com/en-US/Support/Documentation/Client+Server/2006/Exporting+DGN+data+to+ESRI+shapefile+format+with+MicroStation+GeoGraphics.htm?currentYear=2006

* Within current releases, attribute annotation may occur for (point) shapefile data during an Interoperability import. Below are the steps explained for Bentley Map.

To utilize Property Based Annotation for the purpose of placing point-text features during an import:

01) Open the Bentley Map Interoperability dialog (File->Properties->Import->GIS Data Types...)
02) Create an import operation and load the desired file(s).
03) Discover available properties:
Select the desired file, right click, and choose 'show properties' (any grouping).

04) Note the desired property to be used to populate the text element.
e.g. property 'FID', which is common to many import operations.

05) When the focus is on a given import source, the Interoperability dialog will display the (element) Property Frames:
e.g. "General", "Symbology"

Select the 'General' Frame
Change 'Point Type' to 'Text'.

06) You will receive a warning regarding setting of the PBA. Acknowledge the warning. (ok)
07) Select the 'Text' Frame and set the newly listed PBA value to the desired property.
Proper syntax deems that the property name must be enclosed within square brackets.
e.g. for the property titled 'FID', this would be:
[FID]

08) Return to the Import operation node within the Interoperability dialog and right-click to perform the import.

** Note: Import settings can also be saved from this node, allowing quick re-execution using the same parameters in the future, or use as a Q/A record.

You workflow for labeling shapefiles works great for points but I'm stuck on labeling polygons.  Do you know of a method?

 

Thanks,

 Matthew Reynolds

OK, using the feature to point tool (data management) in ArcInfo solves the problem.

OK, using the feature to point tool (data management) in ArcInfo solves the problem.