for ZWCAD
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD Overview
In a nutshell
- Import into ZWCAD from Google Earth (KML or KMZ), OpenStreetMap (OSM or PBF), Shapefiles (SHP), GPS, Points (many formats), Excel, Access, ESRI ArcInfo®, MapInfo, GML (GML or GZ), PostGIS, SQL Server, SQLite, and many more geospatial sources
- Export from ZWCAD to Google Earth (KML or KMZ), Shapefiles (SHP), Points (many formats), MapInfo, PostGIS, SQL Server, SQLite, and many more geospatial targets
- Transformation of coordinates optional
- Backgrounds Maps, powerful and easy to use
- Publishing to Google Earth
- Alphanumeric data tables as ZWCAD Extended Entity Data (EED/XDATA). Manage data tables and fields. Data viewer and editor included
- Save Tasks to replay the import processes so many times as desired
- Interface simple, intuitive and productive
- Perpetual licenses. Pay once, no periodic fees
Introduction
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD is a powerful ZWCAD plug-in designed for ZWCAD users who need to import, export and manage spatial data in a simple, fast and inexpensive way, which includes many possibilities not seen so far in ZWCAD.
It comes in a lightweight application that runs inside ZWCAD and allows the user to import and export geospatial data between ZWCAD drawings and geospatial files, data servers or data stores, display background maps and manage alphanumeric data and data tables.
ZWCAD import
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD imports spatial data, into new or existing ZWCAD drawings, as ZWCAD entities and Extended Entity Data (EED), using a powerful wizard which lets the user choose or select all the necessary import parameters in order to get differentiated spatial information in a CAD drawing.
Batch-import, automatic layering, fill of polygons, blocks according data values and mapped attributes, labeling, elevation, thickness or the spatial filter are only part of the application functionality when importing from spatial files, data servers, data stores, etc.
There are some advanced and powerful techniques to speed up the import processes.
The "Tasks" save all the import processes parameters and options in order to repeat these processes so many times as desired. It is possible to execute one or more "Tasks" at once.
Related wiki information...
Import preview video
Importing 2 (Shapefile)
Importing 3 (CSV)
Importing 4 (OpenStreetMap)
ZWCAD export
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD exports entities from the drawing to spatial files or databases, and saves their Extended Entity Data (EED) as alphanumeric data tables using a wizard, which shares some of the steps with the import wizard. In the same way, the user can choose or select the export parameters to define all the target data among a great number of possibilities.
There are options to export the Coordinates, Length or Area, the entities Layer, Handle and Elevation, the Attributes and the name of the Block references and their properties, the Texts and their properties, etc. The entities will be automatically filtered when exporting, and all the geometric operations needed to fit the target data format (such as segmenting curved entities) are automatically performed.
Related wiki information...
Exporting preview video
Transformation of coordinates
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD will calculate geometric transformations of the features in line with the import and export processes, which will depend on the chosen Coordinate System (CRS) for the source and target data.
The user can choose the appropriate CRSs from a complete CRS catalog or from a list which includes the most recent used CRSs.
Background Maps
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD allows to the ZWCAD users (from v.13), choose from among many Backgrounds Maps from many providers such as OpenStreetMap, Bing, MapBox, Ordnance Survey, etc. These maps will enhance the drawings quality and will let the users compare and check better.
The map images are automatically updated when the drawing view changes (zoom, pan, etc.) and the images resolution is automatically adapted to the view size. The user can take static Snapshots of the Maps.
Related wiki information...
Dynamic Background Maps video
User Background Maps (WMS, ...)
Publishing to Google Earth
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD includes a specific command designed to Export all or part of the entities in the visible Layers of the drawing and their data, to a KML or KMZ file (Google Earth) through a one-click operation.
The current Layers organization and the properties of the Layers and entities are considered when creating the resulting GE file, and this file can be opened in Google Earth (if installed).
Related wiki information...
Publishing to Google Earth video
Data structure management and direct data edition
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD will manage the alphanumeric data which may come linked to the entities in the import processes themselves but the users can also design and edit the structure which will be used to store the data. They can manage the tables and the fields according to their needs.
In addition, the data values can be modified in the palette of the application and there are two commands to select entities by Queries or according to the table that they are attached. As a plus, the application also provides a command that allows Zooming to the selected entities.
Related wiki information...
Data Management video
Queries and Selections
User data sources
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD incorporates the UDS technology to easily connect with spatial database servers, or data stores, and also as the way the user can define the path to a particular spatial data file, including their own connection parameters.
UDSs avoid having to enter a lot of connection parameters, which are not easy to remember, and they are stored inside the user settings to take advantage of them in every application session.
Related wiki information...
Data sources video
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD Features
General
Import/export spatial data into/from ZWCAD drawings
Import or export spatial data between files, data servers or other spatial data sources, and entities in new or existing ZWCAD drawings. Use Extended Entity Data (EED) to load or save spatial alphanumeric data tables. The import and the export wizards lead the user to select all needed parameters and many interesting options
Transformation of coordinates when importing or exporting
Geometric transformations of the features in line with the import and export processes. Coordinate reference system (CRS) of the source and target. Complete CRS catalog. The catalog and the drop down lists include the most recent used CRSs
Background Maps
Choose from among many Backgrounds Maps from many providers such as OpenStreetMap, Bing, MapBox, Ordnance Survey, etc. They enhance the drawings quality and allow the user compare and check better
Extended Entity Data (EED) viewer palette
When selecting entities in the drawing, their EEDs will be shown in the "Properties" area of the application palette. The values can be edited directly in the palette and can include hyperlinks
Managing the data structure
Design and edit the structure which will be used to store the data attached to the entities. Manage the tables and the fields according to the needs. New tools available to attach, detach and select data
Import processes
Entities imported into a new or open drawing
Import processes can be performed in the current ZWCAD drawing or in new drawings. The application opens new drawings automatically if needed
Basic target layer or new target layers using a field value
Define a common target layer or select a field from the incoming data source to take its values as the target layer for each new imported entity
Use blocks for points and centroids
Choose between ZWCAD Points or Block References when importing point features or centroid of polygon features. When using Blocks, you can select a field to choose the Block References names to insert and "map" fields from the incoming data to Attributes included inside the Block definition
Block insertion parameters from field values
Also use fields from the incoming data to define Block insertion parameters, such as the scale and the rotation of the Block
Polygon fills and transparencies
Fill polygon areas using ZWCAD Hatches and define the options for the Hatches such as pattern, angle and scale. Apply transparencies to the Hatches
Polygon centroids
Draw optional centroids when importing polygon features using ZWCAD Points or Block References
Labeling entities while importing
Choose a data field to label any entity: point type, linear type or polygonal type (centroid). Smart text location for the linear type entities. The properties for the new texts (rotation, height, etc.) can be taken from other data fields
Spatial filter
Import only the entities in the current view
Elevation and thickness from field values
Take field values from incoming data to set the elevation and/or thickness for the new entities
Import data from tables as Extended Entity Data (EED)
Import Features data as Entities Extended Entity Data (EED) to get more "intelligent" ZWCAD drawings
Speed up the processes skipping some wizard steps
Skip unnecessary steps for a particular job and go directly to the execution of the import process, to follow all the guidelines set by the import wizard
Use the intuitive palette options or the quick import function
Use the right-click menu on a particular data source to import from this source, or run the import command that avoids having to open the application palette if you do not want it
Batch Import
Import all the files from a folder in one go. If needed, separate the content of each file in different Layers
Import Tasks
The Tasks allow to repeat any import process so many times as desired without needing to enter its parameters again. Manage and execute Tasks in the application palette
Export processes
Entities exported to geospatial files or servers
From the current drawing to new or existing tables in files or schemas inside files or databases
Select the entities to be exported
Choose between exporting the selected entities, the entities in a layer or the whole drawing
Option to treat the closed polylines as polygons
Most of the time the closed polylines represent polygonal elements on the target data format and this conversion can be automatic
Options for entities geometry data
Export the coordinates X/Y/Z, the Length, the Area and the Elevation in new fields of the data tables
Z-Coordinate and Elevation
The Z-coordinate is exported in all the cases. If not available, the entity Elevation is exported as the Z-coordinate
Options for entities properties
Export the Handle and the Layer of the entities in new fields of the data tables
Options for Block references
Option to export the Name, Rotation, Scales and the Attributes of the Block references in new fields of the data tables. The names of the fields and the Attributes will match
Options for Texts
Export the Text entities and their basic properties (Rotation and Height)
Automatic complex geometric operations
Review and editing of the selected entities in order to export geometries accommodated in the target format, such as the polygonal segmentation on curves if required
Filtering of incompatible entities
There are a few entity types not supported by the export processes (such as complex 3D entities), which are automatically filtered. The filter result is displayed before exporting
Opening help
Upon completion of any export process to a file, the file location can be opened directly. When exporting to a KML or KMZ file it can be chosen to open the file in Google Earth (if installed)
Data sources
Manage your own shortcuts
Reference any folder in a physical or net drive and save this reference in the user configuration to quickly access the folder. Edit, remove or sort the shortcuts in the data sources palette
Access to spatial data files (SHP, GPX, KML, OSM, GML, etc.) (show full list)
Import/export from/to spatial data tables by accessing a lot of spatial data file types or folders or schemas inside complex spatial files
Manage your User Data Sources
Use UDS technology in the application to easily connect with spatial database servers, or data stores, or to define the path to spatial data files including their own connection parameters. Edit, remove or sort the UDSs in the data sources palette
Access to spatial database servers (SQL Server, PostGIS, etc.) (show full list)
Use UDSs to access tables and import or export them, by accessing a lot of spatial data servers, including simple or complex internal structures
Access to other connections (WFS, ODBC, etc.) (show full list)
Also use UDSs to access special spatial information connections, such as WFS stores or ODBC
Manage schemas and tables
Create, delete and rename schemas. Delete and rename tables.
Transformation of coordinates
Unified CRS system
Use the same tools (the CRS Catalog essentially) to assign the Coordinate Reference System to a drawing or to define the CRSs to the source and the target when performing the import / export processes
Smart Transformations
The application helps when entering any configuration setting. For example, if you are importing from Google Earth (KML), the source CRS is automatically set to WGS84 and the target CRS can be set to a standard projected CRS
Updated Coordinate Systems objects list
The objects list includes more than 14000 Projections, Ellipsoids, Coordinate Systems, Coordinate Transformations, etc. for all the areas and geographic segmentations of the Earth. This list is often extended, revised and updated. The Catalog includes a set of practical tools to filter, search or group the most recent used CRSs
Background Maps
Easy Map control
Use the tabs in the Background Maps window to display a specific Map Provider Group, where the selection boxes show a preview image of the available Maps in this Group. Quickly show and hide any Map. Regenerate tools
Base Maps to design
It is also possible to set Background Maps in empty drawings in order to have a cartographic base when starting a new piece of work or project even without defining a specific Coordinate Reference System
User Maps
Configure new Groups and new Maps by entering a minimum of data. There are also tools to edit the Maps configuration data or delete them from the list
Snapshots
Get static ZWCAD raster images from the Maps. Up to four levels of image resolution. Provides interesting solutions to define different maps for different Viewports and/or Views, as an advanced Printing or Publishing tool, to combine Maps or to clip the Maps
Publishing to Google Earth
Quick creation and use
Regardless of the advanced Export capabilities of the application the user can find a specific tool to Export all or part of the objects in the visible Layers of the drawing and their data, to a KML or KMZ file (Google Earth) through a one-click operation. In addition, it is possible to open the file directly in Google Earth (if installed)
"Clone" the drawing
The process will consider the current Layers organization and the properties of the Layers and objects. The elements in the KML/KMZ file will assume the colors, weights, etc. of the objects in the drawing. A subdivision based on the types of the objects in the Layers will be also created for each Layer
Alphanumeric data
Data structure
The data Tables can be automatically created and structured when importing elements from any data sources, but the application includes all the tools that the users need to create new Tables and edit or delete existing Tables. When a Table is modified or deleted, all the entities attached to the Table will be automatically updated. Create, edit or delete Fields in any existing table. You can assign a default value to any Field and select the type of data for the Field (Text, Integer, Date, etc.). As happens with the tables, if any alteration occurs in the Fields of a table, the application will automatically update all the attached entities
Entities management
Automatic or manual Attachment of Entities to data tables, view and edit directly the field Values individually or for a selection of Entities, Detachment of Entities and Entities Selections based on a specific attached table. Direct access to Hyperlink fields from the application Palette
Queries
Selecting entities in drawings by simple or compound queries. Complete queries or query to the current selection and add the result to the current selection. Selections based on a specific attached table. Zoom into the selected entities
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD Editions
Basic Edition
Standard Edition
Professional Edition
General
Import spatial data in ZWCAD drawings
Transformation of coordinates
Background Maps
Extended Entity Data (EED) viewer and editor
Use hyperlinks in data
Queries and Alphanumeric data structure management
Export spatial data from ZWCAD drawings
Import processes
Entities imported into a new or open drawing
Basic target layer or new target layers using a field value
Use field based blocks for points and centroids
Block insertion parameters from field values
Polygon fills and transparencies
Polygon centroids
Labeling entities while importing
Spatial filter
Elevation and thickness from field values
Tools for speed up the processes
Quick import function
Batch Import
Import data from tables as Extended Entity Data (EED)
Import tasks
Export processes
Objects exported to geospatial files or servers
Select the objects to be exported
Option to treat the closed polylines as polygons
Options to export the Handle and the Layer
Option to export the Blocks, properties and Attributes
Options to export Text entities and their properties
Automatic complex geometric operations
Filtering of incompatible objects
Options to export the Length, Area and Elevation
Options to export the Coordinates X/Y/Z
Data sources
Manage your own shortcuts
Manage your User data sources
Manage schemas and tables
Transformation of coordinates
Unified tools
Updated CS objects list
Smart Transformations
Background Maps
Easy Map control tools
User Maps
Base Maps to design
Maps Snapshots
Publishing to Google Earth
One-click full export operation
Clone the drawing or a selection
Open directly in Google Earth
Alphanumeric data
Data structure
Entities management and Queries
Zoom to selection
Single License Price
$189 USD
$335 USD
$449 USD
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD Technical resources
- Whitepapers
- [1] Import coordinates from Excel to ZWCAD
- [2] Import CSV into ZWCAD
- [3] Import points into ZWCAD
- [4] ZWCAD XYZ
- [5] How to import shapefiles into ZWCAD
- [6] Import KML to ZWCAD
- [7] Ordnance Survey in ZWCAD
- Other resources
- [1] Spatial Manager Blog
- [2] Spatial Manager Wiki
- [3] YouTube Videos
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD Requirements
- ZWCAD and ZWCAD Architecture - Professional edition (see current Compatible ZWCAD applications)
- 100 MB free disk space, or more
- Windows Installer 3.1 or later
Spatial Manager™ for ZWCAD Assemblies
- Version 4.1.0.6841 (November 29, 2017): 32&64-bit (.exe) | 32-bit (.msi) | 64-bit (.msi)
- Version 4.1.0.6857 (December 12, 2017): 32&64-bit (.exe) | 32-bit (.msi) | 64-bit (.msi)
- Version 4.2.0.7253 (April 21, 2018): 32&64-bit (.exe) | 32-bit (.msi) | 64-bit (.msi)
- Version 4.2.1.7480 (June 21, 2018): 32&64-bit (.exe) | 32-bit (.msi) | 64-bit (.msi)
- Version 5.0.0.7915 (November 5, 2018): 32&64-bit (.exe) | 32-bit (.msi) | 64-bit (.msi)
- Version 5.1.0.8077 (January 9, 2019): 32&64-bit (.exe) | 32-bit (.msi) | 64-bit (.msi)
- Version 5.2.0.8276 (April 1, 2019): 32&64-bit (.exe) | 32-bit (.msi) | 64-bit (.msi)
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