Solved: How to create a simplified (lower resolution) version of a .DXF file that representats a 2D Map

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PTRUSCOTT

How to create a simplified (lower resolution) version of a .DXF file that representats a 2D Map

Dear Experts,
I have a program that needs to show a shaded map with the proportion of the population living in poverty in the Philippines (in different regions).

I have a 4.5 Megabyte .SHP file which when I convert it using Arcv2CAD produces a 40 megabyte DXF file. I can view the Map file of the Philippines - the region names and borders are correct but I cannot use it for the following reason.

The mapping control for my Delphi program is used to really small maps of countries. The example files are all less than 1 Megabyte. It blows up when I try to import the 40 MB file.

Can anyone suggest a free tool and method for simplifying the map by saving it at a lower level of detail? I'll only do this once so I don't want to pay for a tool. I suspect one of the autodesk programs might work but I'm a total novice.
Best Wishes,
Philip Truscott

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borgunit🇺🇸

I am not sure but try WMFOUT command to create a WMF file. This retains vector information but is slightly simplified. I am not sure this will reduce it to the size you require. This is just an initial thought. (BTW this is a command in AutoCAD).

darrenmcwi🇺🇸

You could also print in an any number of raster formats at the resolution you want/need. Without seeing the specifics of that particular file, I can't recommend the best methods for reducing it's detail. There's likely a number of things you can do depending on what's all in the file. Not sure if EE lets you post a file that large but if it does, I'll gladly d/l the file and take a look.

PTRUSCOTT

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Dear Darrenmcwi,

Can you look at the original SHP file? That's only 4.5 Megabytes?

Best WIshes,

Phil

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PTRUSCOTT

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Dear Darrenmcwi,
The attached zip file contains a compressed 40 Megabyte zip file of the Philippines with the regional borders used to measure poverty.

Experts Exchange blocked the upload of this zip file when the original file ended in the file extension .DXF because it is not one of their approved file extensions. I changed the file extension to .CPP, did the archive again and it worked.

Before trying to open this file you need to de-archive it (I used zip genius freeware). You will then have to change the file extension. I would do this by opening a DOS window and using the following DOS command:

REN PHILREG.CPP PHILREG.DXF

best wishes,

Phil
NewArchive.zip

PTRUSCOTT

ASKER

Dear Darrenmcwi,
If you want to check that your compressed version of the DXF file can be read by my mapping tool the following .EXE should be able to open it and view the boundaries.
Best Wishes,

Phil T
APEdit.exe

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Tommy Kinard🇺🇸

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PTRUSCOTT

ASKER

Dear DragonTooth,

Thanks so much. I loaded my file into the map editor and it loaded with no problems. That solves the problem so I'm accepting the solution.

I have a quick supplementary question (which you may feel I should ask as a separate question but here goes).

I have several Philippine Islands that should be considered part of the same Region (in the same way that several islands make up the state of Hawaii). Is there some user-friendly tool that will allow me to click on several polygons and then combine them into the same object then save the resulting file as a .DXF?

Best Wishes,
Phil Truscott

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Tommy Kinard🇺🇸

The only thing I can come up with is to group them in acad then save as dxf.

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Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations. CAD software for mechanical design uses either vector-based graphics to depict the objects of traditional drafting, or may also produce raster graphics showing the overall appearance of designed objects. As in the manual drafting of technical and engineering drawings, the output of CAD must convey information, such as materials, processes, dimensions, and tolerances, according to application-specific conventions.