Convert InRoads .xin to Geopak .ddb

Is there a way to convert an xin file to a ddb file? We are primarily Geopak users and have recieved an xin file to use, however, have not been able to determine how to convert it to a ddb. The funny thing is I need the ddb file to specify it in the Corridor Modeler for it to then recreate the xin file (although we still need the ddb). Thanks in advance.
  • Your best luck may to cut and paste from the XIN supplied into the XIN you create. XIN files are ASCII XML files. But frequently lack carriage returns at the end of many lines. This is perfectly acceptable according to XML syntax rules, but make human editing problematic. There are two freeware tools out there that can fix missing carriage returns and also make line indents consistent. They are XML Marker and Notepad++ with the XML Tools add-in. 

    Also, check to see if you have access to the preference manager that InRoads users have. It offers tools to copy and paste within a GUI that eliminates the need to use special editors and also to make sure you don't screw up the syntax of the XML file.


    Charles (Chuck) Rheault
    CADD Manager

    MDOT State Highway Administration

    • MicroStation user since IGDS, InRoads user since TDP.
    • AutoCAD, Land Desktop and Civil 3D, off and on since 1996
  • Ok, thanks for the tip on copy/paste into the created xin from a dummy ddb file.

    What about converting to a ddb file?

  • I know very little about the GEOPAK ddb file, but tons about XIN files. And there is a tread about how You can create an XIN from a DDB, but apparently, if you modify the XIN and later have to re-export, it cannot preserve your edits. Hense, my suggestion that you learn about the XIN and manual edits.

    If there is an ASCII format that can be imported into a DDB, then it is possible to do some of what you are asking, but it will take a lot of work. You can create XML style sheets that can convert XML to plain ASCII, even with comma delimeters and just about anything else you want. All it takes is time and skill.

    I'll leave this for others to address - maybe someone has already done this or someone from Bentley has some other ideas or methods.


    Charles (Chuck) Rheault
    CADD Manager

    MDOT State Highway Administration

    • MicroStation user since IGDS, InRoads user since TDP.
    • AutoCAD, Land Desktop and Civil 3D, off and on since 1996
  • Just rename the XIN file to whatever DDB file you are pointed to with GEOPAK and place in the RDDBS subfolder.  For example

    default_styles.xin

     

    If you get prompted to re-import the DDB just select no or cancel.  Remember all the DDB import does is create the XIN.  The XIN file name must match the name of the DDB file referenced in the Corridor Modeler Dialog.

    Thanks

    Chuck


    This is a test

  • Ok. But is there a way to actually convert the xin to ddb so that we can use it within Geopak and laydown chains, profiles, etc. etc with it...taking Corridor Modeler out of the equation.