Importing DXF Files - MapInfo_Pro - 2023

MapInfo Pro lets you import and export files with DXF (drawing interchange file) format. DXF is a format used by AutoCAD and other CAD packages. MapInfo Pro can import both graphical and tabular information from DXF files.

To import a DXF file and set a coordinate transformation for it:

1. On the HOME tab click the Open command list and choose Import to open the Import File dialog box.
2. From the Files of type drop-down list, choose AutoCAD DXF.
3. Navigate to the DXF file that you want to import by selecting its location from the Look in drop-down list.
4. Click Open to open the DXF Import Information dialog box.
5. Select from the following options for your DXF file.

   Preserve DXF Blocks as Multi-Polygon Regions - Select this option to import the layer data as regions. If you do not select this check box, MapInfo Pro produces multiple objects which each contain objects. For example, a block for New York State might contain 2 polygons: one for the mainland, and one for Long Island.

   Preserve Attribute Data - Select this option to read the tabular attribute information from DXF file into the table. You might not want to import data that does not contain relevant map attribute data.

   Create Separate Tables - Select this option to import each layer as a separate table. You might want to do this to give you more control over the appearance or display of each layer.

   Suppress Warning Messages - Select this option to suppress warning messages. Sometimes warning messages display that do not affect the import of the file. If the results of your import are unexpected, we recommend you clear this check box to get more information about the errors that affect your image.

6. Click Set Transformation to open the Set Coordinate Transformation dialog box.
7. Select the coordinate points appropriate for this data and click OK.
8. Click the Projection button to open the Choose Projection dialog box.
9. Choose one of the following to select a coordinate assignment:
   • Choose the Longitude/Latitude Category option when you are importing a map stored in longitude/latitude coordinates and look for the appropriate projection from the Category Members drop-down list. This is the most commonly selected option.
   • Choose another, more appropriate category and projection option to locate the projection you want for the selected map.
   • Choose the Non-Earth option when you are working with a non-earth map, such as a floor plan and the Non-Earth Coordinate System dialog box displays.

     When you do not choose a coordinate system when importing graphic files, MapInfo Pro defaults to a non-earth map with units in feet. You can set coordinate units in the Non-Earth Coordinate System dialog box.

10. Click the Options button to display DXF data storing options. Make your selections and click OK to continue.
11. Click OK to display the Import into Table dialog box.
12. Type a file name in the File name field and select the file type to save to: native MapInfo (*.tab) format, or nativeX MapInfo Extended (*.tab) format. Use the extended format for data that is larger than 2GB.
13. Click Save.