How to Convert a Shapefile (.shp) into a CAD Drawing (.

dwg) Format
Introduction This procedure outlines the process for converting shapefiles (.shp) into CAD drawings (.dwg) using ArcMap 9.x In order to use these instructions, you must have access to ArcMap 9.x and any CAD Viewer. In this example, we are going to use a shapefile featuring contours for the City of Toronto (intervals of 1 metre) that have been downloaded from the Ryerson University Library (Geospatial Map and Data Centre) website. Note: For instructions detailing how to obtain data from the Geospatial Map and Data Centre Website, use the following link: http://www.ryerson.ca/madar/geospatial/how_to/getting_started_AM9.pdf This procedure also includes basic procedures for adding data and manipulating geospatial data in a GIS (ArcMap 9.x). Procedure 1. Launch the ArcToolbox to begin the conversion process. Within ArcMap, Click the Show/Hide ArcToolbox Window button .

2. Once open, the ArcToolbox contains various Tools that are grouped by function and arranged in an expand and collapse hierarchal menu.

3. Click the plus sign

to expand the Conversion Tools toolbox.

4. The conversion tool required is To CAD. Click to expand.

5. The specific conversion tool required is Export to CAD. Double-Click the hammer to open.

This will open the Export to CAD dialogue box

6. To add an input feature Click and Drag the feature to be converted from the Table of Contents into the Export to CAD dialogue box and Drop on Input Features. Note: You can add more than one feature at a time to the Input Features text box. Alternatively, you can browse to the data by clicking the button next to Input Features and add it by clicking .

7. Once added, the Export to CAD tool needs a location to export the data. By default, the file path and file name are retained, BUT the file extension has been changed to .DWG. Also, the output type can be changed to several variations of the .DWG format by the Output Type Menu

Alternatively, you can specify a different location to export the data. This can be done by Clicking the browse with the destination. button. Click when satisfied

Note: If this option is selected, you MUST add the file extension manually as it is not included as a default.

8. Once satisfied with file format and file destination,

Click the OK button. 9. A dialogue box will appear detailing whether the conversion has been completed successfully.

10. Once the export is completed, the data can be opened using CAD software One Metre Contour Intervals in the City of Toronto Shapefile within ArcMap 9.X

CAD Drawing in AutoCAD 2006

March 26, 2007 Kyle Reyes