Discussion: ArcGIS and OCAD

Can they talk to one another? Can OCAD be exported to ArcGIS?

Thanks

OCAD can import shp and dxf, but export to Arc is minimal. I think OCAD can export a shp file, but you would only preserve the symbology and geometry, not the display characteristics of each of those symbols. Trails would be categorized into layers in the shape file, but you would loose the color, dash pattern, and line width.

On my list of cool things to write would be an OGR driver for OCAD, so that I could get some better data import/export functionality.

What do you want to do with Arc would be the better question though.

You can always create a layer file (.lyr) to symbolize an Arc shapefile quickly. Setting it up the first time takes time, though.

That would take a lot of time, and probably not really be successful. I'm not sure you could recreate how OCAD does tag lines on fences for example in a lyr file.

Thanks. We are working with an arboretum that uses Arc for their internal work. We are mapping the area using our standard toolkit, but want to get them data in a format they can most readily use.

Talk to COL Mike Hendricks. He did a lot of work on this at one point. I remember it being a pain in the ass and not working out great.

it being a pain in the ass and not working out great.

That would have been my assumption as well - OCAD is neither a CAD nor a GIS package. :)

If they will use it just as a background map you can try raster/wms.

OCAD is neither a CAD nor a GIS package. :)

But it thinks it is both.

ArcGIS and OCAD can exchange data when using the Professional Version of OCAD
OCAD originated as cartographic software and now can incorporate database material. ArcGis is mainly a database program with some cartographic abilities. Several years ago while attending a GIS conference the creator of Arc, Jack Dangermond, the creator of Arc during his keynote speech stated “the weakness of our software is the ability to draw.” The beauty of OCAD is what Arc is missing. Arc has made some cartographic improvements since then.
OCAD Professional has the ability to import and export shape files. It also has the ability to read and write database material.

On the OCAD website you will find tutorials that will provide information about databases and shape files. The OCAD help file also has additional details.


Many government agencies and other organizations collect and store geographic information in databases. This data can be useful in creating orienteering maps particularly city and campus maps that might be used for Sprint Orienteering. They can provide geo-referenced basement data that can be converted and modified into orienteering symbols. This data can be used for creating an initial framework for new map.
OCAD also has the ability to create “Internet, Interactive maps”. Database data can be tied to these maps.

Hi. I have OCAD 10. I'm trying to quickly draft some OCAD maps of parks and school grounds in Cambridge, MA. Like, today. Anyone who has experience who could advise me for a few minutes by phone, please email barb.bryant@gmail.com or call 617-335-4847 between now (11am) and 1pm EST. THANKS

Current problem: in OCAD 10, I can't import .shp files? True?

The Information booklet seems to imply that I should be able to import .shp files. I downloaded files from the City of Cambridge GIS department, including files with extensino .shp. File>Import does not seem to recognize these. :-(

onphone with matt robbins now

OK, here is where I am now.

Cambridge provides GIS layers. I can look at them in Cambridge-provided views, but I can't choose all the layers I want. This is a good starting point. It shows layers footpaths, buildings, roads, sidewalks, other paved surfaces.
I could take a screenshot and import as background map into OCAD.

Matt says if I send him shape files he can import into OCAD11 and then export a map in OCAD10 that I could use. But he would have to do work to tell OCAD11 what symbol to use for each of the things in the layers. That seems like a lot.

What I want is something like what is shown in the Cambridge CityViewer linked above, plus additional layers (trees, fences, ...)

Dammit Barb, I don't want to do this today. I shouldn't have checked attackpoint, and then I wouldn't know of your plight! Calling you now.

OK, now I'm on the phone with Ed & Alex.

Ed has a lot of data already in OCAD ready format for Cambridge. He can export the pieces I need though it sounds like each one takes some work.

Just as it's never wrong to pop the collar, it's never wrong to check attackpoint.

Would be good to have good compatibility between the two..