MapInfo Universal Translator to ArcGIS Shapefile of Shape = Polygon ZM

[Data Directions]

More of an observation than anything else, but ….

 

If I use the MapInfo Universal Translator to translate a polygon table to an ArcGIS Shapefile, the resulting Shapefile has Shape defined as Polygon ZM (to hold a z-value and measure value).

 

If I then want to do data processing (in ArcGIS), such as removing overlaps, etc, the Polygon ZM has to be converted to a Polygon object.

 

So my query is, why would the Universal Translator create this object type, when MapInfo polygons (inherently) don’t contain either Z or M values (unless as attributes in separate columns)?

 

Is there a trick (when using the Universal Translator) to specify ARCGIS Shape = Polygon?

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

William Donaldson

GIS Applications Manager

 

Data Directions

240 Jersey Street

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Australia

 

mobile: 0401 67 1889

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[Mark Allen]

Hi Bill, 

Sorry no answer for your query but I have just noticed the exact same issue. It can cause several tools in Arc not to work (import mosaic dataset geometry being one). I am a bit stuck as to why the translator does this myself. 

[Mark Allen]

http://forums.esri.com/Thread.asp?c=93&f=988&t=272505

work around to the issue here.

[jcole...@att.net]

I know this is an old thread, but if others are new to this issue as I am, I wanted to share a little info.  It may be that MapInfo included this to fix the issue, or maybe it's been there all along, I don't know.  I am currently using MI Pro 12.5.2 32bit.  In the Universal Translator, in the Set Translation Parameters dialog box (after you select ESRI Shape as the writer format), in the Writer section, click on the Parameters button.  When the ESRI Shape Parameters dialog opens, select 2D (ArcView 3.0).  This will save the file as a polygon with no Z or M add-on's. 

Hope this helps someone.

Jim