SMS:Importing Files

SMS provides multiple options for importing files. There are three general methods for importing files. There are also a few files types which require specific import procedures.

General File Import

The general import procedures are:

Open Command

The Open command in the File menu can be used to open most file types. If SMS doesn't recognize the file type or needs clarification on how to import the file, an import dialog may appear.

Drag and Drop

Dragging any SMS supported file from a Windows Explorer to the main window in SMS and it will open, or initiate the specific Import dialog such as DEMs, or shapefiles.

Double-Click on an SMS Project File

Double-clicking an an SMS project file will open the file in SMS. If SMS is not running, SMS will start and the project file will be opened once SMS is running.

Unrecognized File

Certain supported files are not immediately recognized by SMS. This is often the case when the file format can in interpreted differently depending on the intended use of the file. For these files, SMS will ask for more information before reading in the file.

File Import Wizard

For unrecognized files, the File Import Wizard is used to specify how SMS should read the file data into the project. See File Import Wizard for more information.

MIF/MID Import

MIF/MID files can be imported into different modules or coverages depending on the project's needs. See MapInfo MID/MIF for more information.

Specific Import Procedures

Some modules and file types require specific procedure to open correctly in SMS.

GIS Module

Certain file types require being opened directly to the GIS module if the user wants to use the GIS module for these files. Otherwise SMS will open the files into a different module, usually the Map module.

GIS makes use of specific commands for importing files into the GIS module. The availability of these commands depends on whether or not ArcObjects® have been enabled.

• Add Data
• Add Shapefile Data
• Add MIF/MID File Data
• Join Table to Layer

Solution Files

Solution files are often automatically read in to SMS at the completion of a model run. This requires that the Load Solution option is toggled on in the model wrapper.

Most solution files can be imported using the File | Open menu command. However, some models require opening solution files using specific procedures. A list of these models and the command to use instead is below.

Model	Import Command
ADH	Read ADH Solution

Related Topics

• SMS File Menu
• File Import Wizard
• File Formats
• Data Sources