The TatukGIS Developer Kernel and desktop GIS Editor products support two methods to convert GIS vector map data between file types (formats).
- Import operation. The creation of a new (empty) vector map layer requires the user to specify the file type of the layer. If a vector map file of a different type is then opened into that layer, this results in the conversion of the data into the file type of the layer. So first use the Layer/New menu to create a new (empty) DXF layer, then open the data from the SHP file into the DXF layer.
- Export operation. The Layer Export procedure provides the option to select the file type the data is exported to. So first open the SHP file as a layer in the Editor, then use the Layer/Export menu to export the data to a DXF file.
Refer to the DK or Editor Features page for a full list of read and write supported data formats.
Refer to the Editor helpfiles for the Layer/New and Layer/Export menu items for additional information.
Keep in mind TatukGIS products read 'natively' all read-supported vector formats and saves (writes) 'natively' to all write-supported layer formats. Therefore there is no need to import/export vector data to/from an internal TatukGIS format. One advantage of the DK ImportLayer design (relative to the more traditional procedure of converting the file format during the export procedure) is the number of supported layer types is not fixed. This means a DK developer can create his own, user-defined layer type, such as to support a format that TatukGIS does not yet support or cannot support because the format is highly unique or proprietary. DK developers have been known to create user-defined layers to render data stored in proprietary database structures.
Another advantage of the native support for each file type is skipping the import/export procedure can save time when working with many files and different file types, potentially resulting in a more pleasant user experience.