How To: Convert contour lines to CAD format

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to convert contour lines to CAD format, while preserving elevation values.

Procedure

Follow the steps below:

1. Convert the lines to a 3D layer. Add the 3D Analyst toolbar to ArcMap. Open the 3D Analyst drop-down menu > Convert > Features to 3D. Use the 'contour' field as the source of heights.
2. Convert the 3D layer to points using the ArcToolbox > Data Management Tools > Features > Feature to Point tool.
3. Use the Set CAD Alias tool to assign TxtValue to the field that contains the contour values. This is found in ArcToolbox > Conversion Tools > To CAD > Set CAD Alias. Click the box next to contour and select 'TxtValue'.
   
   

   Note:
   This is a deprecated tool at version 10 and later. To learn more about how this tool works click here. This functionality can be accomplished using Add Field and making simple field calculations. 

   
   
4. Use the Export to CAD tool to export both the point and 3D line shapefiles to a .dwg file.

Related Information

• Create AutoCAD 3D Polylines from 3D ArcGIS Line Features
• Export to CAD fails to create AutoCAD 3D polylines or lightweight polylines with an elevation

Last Published: 5/5/2016

Article ID: 000008655