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Batch Import

Use this dialog to automate the import of data sources into application layers.

Where can I find the dialog?

From the File menu, select Import..., choose the desired format for import to application layers, and click Open.

Supported formats

The following formats are supported for batch import:

  • AutoCAD (*.dwg, *.dxf)
  • Esri (*.shp)
  • Gemini Surveying v5.x (*.gmi)
  • Gemini Terrain (*.gmi)
  • Geotagged images (*.jpeg, *.jpg)
  • Geotiff heightmap (*.tif, *.tiff)
  • Hexagon LandXML (*.xml)
  • IREDES log (*.xml)
  • IREDES plan (*.xml)
  • Trimble JobX (*.jxl)
  • KOF (*.kof)
  • LandXML (*.xml)
  • Microstation (*.dgn)
  • QUADRI (*.gdd)
  • Lidar (*.las, *.laz)
  • SOSI (*.sos)

Types of batch jobs

For all formats, there are at least two types of batch jobs:

  • A job that creates a separate application layer for each file with the same name.
  • A job that imports all files into the same layer.

In the dialog, you can change the suggested name of the application layer and assign a template. You can adjust the template in the context menu by right-clicking in the column.

For SOSI and QUADRI files, there are also batch jobs that distribute data across multiple layers using predefined templates and filters. These are often used for map and planning data with SOSI codes. The job creates application layers based on the template names and imports the corresponding data from the data sources according to the predefined filters. In these cases, the columns for name and template are locked (grayed out) to indicate that they cannot be changed.

Image files

When importing files that contain images, such as the gmi format, the images are copied to the Pictures subfolder, and the hyperlinks are updated with the new path.

Using the dialog

Procedure

  1. Select the desired batch job from the list.
  2. Optionally, check to create a separate group for the batch job.
  3. Enter a name prefix for the application layers if desired (for example, to distinguish zoning plans).
  4. Check which application layers you want to create if the batch job can create multiple layers.
  5. Click Format setup... to adjust settings (for example, for DWG files).
  6. Specify a clipping area if you only want to import a subset of the data source.
  7. Select the batch job in the list and click Import.

Note

Empty layers are not created. For example, the building layer will not be created if the data source does not contain building objects.

Replace existing content in application layers

When importing repeatedly in the same project, new data is added to existing data unless you check Overwrite existing content.

When importing into an existing layer, the template file is ignored, but data from the gmi file, such as points and lines, is included. If you select Overwrite existing content, the application layer is emptied first, including data, metadata, and presentation, etc.

Warning

For gmi files, Overwrite existing content is mandatory. This option cannot be deselected.

Import to subfolder

For each type of batch import, you can specify a subfolder. What you enter here is remembered from session to session in a project, but it can always be changed. You can navigate to a folder by clicking the ... button or by entering a folder name manually. If you enter a folder name that does not exist, you will be asked if the folder should be created and, if available for the project, included in Gemini Connected.

Transformation

This import also allows you to transform data. If the file does not contain coordinate system information, or if it differs from the project settings, you will be asked if you want to transform the data.

You can read more about transformations in the user documentation.

Define custom batch jobs

You can also define your own batch jobs.

You can read more about how to define custom batch jobs in the user documentation.

You can read more about the templates used in batch jobs in the user documentation.