Importing a Shapefile

VectorWorks Landmark can import files in shapefile (.shp) format. Each geometric feature stored in the shapefile is converted to a VectorWorks object. In turn, each of these objects has a corresponding data record, which is converted from the shapefile’s database file.

To import a shapefile and select conversion options:

1.	Select File > Import > Import Shapefile, and then select the shapefile to import.

2.

VectorWorks determines the appropriate units for the imported objects from the projection (.prj) file, if one is available. If no projection file is found, VectorWorks uses feet (if the current document’s units setting is Imperial) or meters (if the units setting is metric). A message displays indicating what units will be used.

3.	The Shapefile Import Preferences dialog box opens; the options available depend on the contents of the file being imported. Specify the file import options.

 

Parameter	Description
Select Projection	If the shapefile being imported is georeferenced (in degree coordinates) and the current VectorWorks units setting is not degrees, select a projection method: UTM can be used for any shapefile; select Lambert Conic only for shapefiles being used in the continental United States; select Current Projection to use XY coordinates. Otherwise, this parameter is disabled and XY coordinates are used automatically.
Model Space Scale	The scale in the file being imported displays automatically; to change it, click Scale to open the Layer Scale dialog box and select a scale
Import to new
Layer	Select this option to import themes from the shapefile to a new design layer named after the shapefile; if additional shapefiles are imported, they will be placed on their own layers
Class	Select this option to import themes from the shapefile to a new class named after the shapefile, on a new design layer called “Shapefile Import Layer”; if additional shapefiles are imported, they will be placed on the same layer, with their own class names

4.	Click OK to import the file with the selected options. The Object Info palette displays the imported shapefile information.

The original file remains unchanged.