WMS:CAD Data

Opening CAD Files

WMS uses a third party set of DLLs to read CAD files. This is done so that WMS can stay current with evolving changes in DXF and other file formats. Previously, only limited DXF support was provided, and only for files exported from AutoCAD release 12 or earlier. This interface not only provides expanded and up to date support of DXF, but AutoCAD *.dwg files are also supported. Future versions will likely support the MicroStation *.dgn format as well.

CAD files are not yet managed from the WMS Project Explorer, but this will likely be supported in the future as well. WMS can use CAD files as base map (background) information to your project, and to convert some CAD features into feature objects of the current coverage.

CAD Display Options

The objects in CAD files are organized into layers. The display of layers in a CAD drawing is controlled using the Display Options command in the CAD menu. This command brings up the CAD Display Options dialog, shown below.

List of Layers

The names of the layers in the drawing are shown in the box on the left of the dialog. A check mark appears to the left of the names. The visibility of a layer is controlled using these toggles. All of the layers can be made toggled on/off with the option for All that is at the top of the list.

Future versions of WMS will likely list the CAD data and control the display from within the Project Explorer.

Colors/Styles

With the current implementation of the new CAD data colors and styles are inherited from the original drawing and cannot be changed from within WMS.

Deleting CAD Data

The Delete command of the CAD menu is used to delete all CAD data. It is not currently possible to delete individual layers, but the visibility of a layer can be controlled from within the display options dialog.