2012

Table Of Contents
DGNMAPPINGPATH
Specifies the location of the dgnsetups.ini file where DGN mapping setups
are stored.
Import IGES Files
You can import an IGES (*.igs or *.iges) file into a DWG file.
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES ) is a neutral file format designed
to transfer 2D and 3D drawing data between dissimilar CAD systems. The IGES
standard defines two file formats: fixed-length ASCII, which stores information
in 80-character records, and compressed ASCII. The IGESIMPORT and IMPORT
commands support only the fixed-length format.
Depending on how large and complex the IGES file is, IGESIMPORT may take
time to process the file. Hence, IGESIMPORT starts running in the background
and displays an import icon on the status bar. Consequently, you can continue
to work on the current drawing while IGESIMPORT processes the IGES file.
The tooltip that is displayed when you place the cursor over the Import status
bar icon indicates the current state of the import process.
Once processing is complete, a notification bubble is displayed on the import
status bar icon. If you click the link in the notification bubble, the imported
content is inserted in the current drawing. If you close the notification bubble
before you insert the imported content, you can right-click the import status
bar icon and choose Insert from the menu.
Understanding the Limitations
Under ideal conditions, translation preserves the appearance and functionality
of entities. However, this process has limitations, and some data will not be
preserved in a round trip between different CAD systems.
For example, when exporting to IGES, a 2D polyline is translated as IGES
entity 106:12. When importing from IGES, entity 106:12 translates to a spline.
Hence, if you use IGESIMPORT to read a file created by IGESEXPORT, the
resulting drawing may not be identical to the original drawing.
Similar data loss may occur when transferring data between AutoCAD and
another CAD system, using IGES. Usually, a one-time translation to or from
IGES does not pose a serious problem. However, data loss can become a concern
if drawings are repeatedly translated in and out of IGES.
1864 | Chapter 37 Work with Data in Other Formats