You can import and export (translate) MapInfo data from and to popular mapping file formats using the Universal Translator. The Universal Translator, is run in MapInfo Pro from the Tools menu, but can also be run manually in a MapBasic window using another language program, in batch-file mode, or via the commandline.
The Universal Translator uses the Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) for spatial data translation, which gives you access to native and non-native GIS, database, spatial, and non-spatial data formats. It lets you translate data for use in MapInfo Pro and export your MapInfo data for use in other applications.
When you run the Universal Translator, it opens the FME Quick Translator window. This window gives you control over the translation process and makes it easy for you to:
- Begin and end translation processes, and manipulate and save log files.
- Reuse workflows through automation that require minimal steps to setup.
- Select input formats that include all the formats that are available on the HOME tab, in the File group, from the Open list, by clicking Universal Data.
- Select a URL where the input format data resides.
- Select compressed folders for input.
- Select entire directories of data for input and merge the translation results into single or multiple directories, or single files if applicable. You can set how the multiple input sources are to be processed for output.
- Fine-tune how the input data will be handled by setting parameters that are unique to the input data format.
- Save the output result to native TAB or MIF\MID file(s) that can be edited and updated immediately for projects.
- Fine-tune how the output data will be handled by setting parameters that are unique to the output data format.
For descriptions and information about how to work with the Universal Translator features, click the Help menu in the FME Quick Translator window or the Help button in the dialog boxes.
The Universal Translator is located on the TABLE tab, in the Content group. By default, the Universal Translator is running when you launch MapInfo Pro. If you do not see the Universal Translator, then you must add it to MapInfo Pro, as described under Working with MapInfo Pro Tools.
Supported Formats
You can translate these file formats into MapInfo .TAB and .MIF\.MID files using the Universal Translator:
- Autodesk AutoCAD (*.DWG, *.DXF)
- Bentley MicroStation Design (V7) (*.FC1, *.DGN, *.POS)
- Bentley MicroStation Design (V8) (*.FC1, *.DGN, *.POS)
- ESRI ArcInfo Export (*.E00)
- ESRI Geodatabase (File Geodb API) (*.GDB)
- ESRI Geodatabase (Personal Geodb) (*.MDB)
- ESRI Legacy ArcSDE
- ESRI Shapefile (*.SHZ, *.SHP)
- GML (Geography Markup Language) (*.GML, *.GZ, *.XML)
- Google KML (*KML, *KMZ)
- OS MasterMap Database – Supports Cadcorp OS MasterMap Database data.
- OS VectorMap District – Reader supports GML data in OS VectorMap District format.
- OS VectorMap Local – Reader supports GML data in OS VectorMap Local format.
- Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS) (*.CATD, *.DDF)
- Vector Product Format (VPF) Coverage (*.FT)
You can translate MapInfo .TAB and .MIF\.MID files into these Vector Product Format Coverage (VPF) formats using the Universal Translator:
- Autodesk AutoCAD DWG/DXF (.dxf, .dwg)
- Bentley MicroStation Design 7 (.dgn)
- Bentley MicroStation Design 8 (.pos, .fc1, .dgn)
- ESRI ArcInfo Export (.e00)
- ESRI Shapefile (.shp)
The Universal Translator supports bounded, affined, and affine and bounded projections.