Using OpenCities Map to import spatial data from Oracle (read-only), SQL Server (read-only), WFS (read-only), and Esri File Geodatabase (read-only) creates a self-contained DGN file with XFM features.
This allows you to work in a disconnected environment meaning that you're not connected to the source database. The feature table information is replaced with XML fragments on the graphic elements and are stored in the DGN file. XFM DGN files can be edited using OpenCities Map tools without the need for a database connection.
To access the data within the database in a disconnected mode, select Imports\Exports dialog from Interoperability tab under Map workflow. Create a New import option to import data from database.
Important Note: In this setup, you would not intend to post additions, deletions and changes back to the database.
The Connection Information for a feature queried from a spatial database. In this example, the database is SQL Server:
The Connection Information for a feature imported from a spatial database. In this example, the database is SQL Server (read-only). Notice the absence of information. This is a good indicator that the design is a XFM DGN.