Cad Software used is Carlson Survey IntelliCAD, can get 2 lidar foot contour from state web in a SHP file. What is the best way to convert them to DWG/DXF. I do not have AutoCAD or MAP.
I know the AutoCAD version of Carlson Survey has "import_shp" in their GIS tools pull down menu. If that doesn't work for you, send it my way and I'll convert it.
peter dot hughesdavies at gmail dot com
Is Your DWG on SPC?
In PA the shp file is at SPC coordinates.
I use GPS control and use SPC coordinates.
When I am all done, I save my SPC.DWG and SPC.CRD and sometimes rotate the project back to a deed or map coordinate system, saving it as a DEED.DWG and DEED.CRD. I do so about my main GPS control point and keep very good note so I can get back.
Paul in PA
Here's another vote for QGIS. I don't use it often - mostly for format conversions and some limited GIS work - but it's stable and remarkably full-featured for an open-source product.
Thank You, I was able to use the QGIS and export the SHP Contour to a DXF. QGIS seem very powerful tool for being free. Thank you for sharing, probably wont use it every day but it is a software I am going to learn more on.
Global Mapper has been an invaluable tool in conversion of many data types.
Written by a guy out of Colorado, now owned by Blue Marble, Mike is very good at implementing user suggestions.
Check it out, I think there is a trial but it is around $300 I believe.
Does that bring things in with elevation? I am asking for a friend. (Intentionally sounds lame)
Tell your friend: Yes, but only if you select "use attribute to assign elevation".
I myself may have to try it as the MAP method is a little tedious...
Peter can you tell use where the toggle is to us attributes for elevation.
Before you import the .shp data, in GIS settings you need to change the default data format from Microsoft Access Database (mdb) to ESRI MSC Data (presumably .shp).
Exit that, and then from the GIS pulldown select "import GIS data from ESRI" or type "import_shp" at the command line and select your source .shp data file you'll see the options to "use attribute to re-assign elevation"
select that and then "import polylines from SHP".
Again, these are all using Carlson Survey 2011 . . your flavor may vary.
good luck.
