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Create CAD XData

Summary

Creates an attribute field called 'XDList' in the Input Table.

Usage

  • All input feature classes and/or feature layers are valid inputs to this tool.

  • XData is only read by AutoCAD.

  • The XDList field that is created by this function is read by the tool Expor to CAD when exported to AutoCAD .

  • Extended Entity Data, though, allows you to attach up to 16K of information to each and every entity in the drawing.

  • You can also keep the XData separate from other information because it uses a uniquely registered name.

  • If your function fails with "Output exceeds field length", then include less fields in your XData string. The XData field that is added has a maximum field length of 2049 characters.

Syntax

CreateCADXData_conversion (In_table, Fields, RegApp, Output_Type)
ParameterExplanationData Type
In_table

This table contains the fields used to generate an XML string of values recognized by the Export to CAD tool. This enables XData to be created on output objects, based on values of fields from the Input Table.

Table View
Fields
[Fields,...]

The selected field values for the encoded XData.

The Add Field button, which is used only in ModelBuilder, allows you to add expected field(s) so that you can complete the dialog and continue to build your model.

Field
RegApp

The AutoCAD extended entity data registered application name. Required by only AutoCAD to identify the XData. This application name is an identifier of the newly created XData.

String
Output_Type

Format of the AutoCAD XData.

  • ADE —The XData string that contains a tag, type, and value in a single string.
  • TRADITIONAL —Single-typed value without tag names.
String

Code sample

# Name: ExportXData.py
# Description: Creates XData from a feature class and exports it to a CAD file with the Extended Entity Data.
# Author: ESRI

# Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env
 
# Local variables...
Roads2 = "C:/Test_data/Personal GDB/OrangeCounty.mdb/Roads"
OrangeCounty_mdb = "C:/Test_data/Personal GDB/OrangeCounty.mdb"
Roads = "C:/Test_data/Personal GDB/OrangeCounty.mdb/Roads"
roads_dwg = "C:/Test_data/CAD/roads.dwg"
 
# Process: Select Data...
arcpy.SelectData_management(OrangeCounty_mdb, "Roads", )
 
# Process: Create CAD XData...
arcpy.CreateCADXData_conversion(Roads, "'MINOR2';'MAJOR3';'MINOR3';'MAJOR4';'MINOR4';'DESCRIPT';'Shape_Length'", "ArcGIS", "ADE", )
 
# Process: Export to CAD...
arcpy.ExportCAD_conversion("'C:/Test_data/Personal GDB/OrangeCounty.mdb/Roads'", "DWG-R2007", roads_dwg, "USE_FILENAMES_IN_TABLES", "OVERWRITE_EXISTING_FILES", "")

Environments

Licensing information

  • ArcGIS for Desktop Basic: Yes
  • ArcGIS for Desktop Standard: Yes
  • ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced: Yes