Exporting data out of AutoCAD Map and into alternative GIS formats is the process of configuring the

export to accommodate all of the needs of that alternative GIS format. These configurations can

include how the geometry should export, coordinate systems, and attribute data.

There are several GIS file formats that you can export to. ArcView SHP, MicroStation DGN, MIF/MID

files, and many, many more.

It's important to understand that you're not only exporting geometry, but also all of the attribute data

that is associated with that geometry. The attribute data that comes along with GIS data is an absolute

integral part of any GIS data.

There is not always a one-to-one relationship with the objects that you export. What AutoCAD Map

3D does is it matches as closely as possible existing data to supported formats within those target GIS

formats.

It's always good practice to be familiar with the target GIS format, and how the users of that file, or

database, need to use the data. This could include information such as the coordinate system, as well

as the schema of any attribute data that might be within the outgoing file.