Quick Import: ArcToolbox

Converts data in any format supported by the FME Extension for ArcGIS into feature classes.

The output is stored in an interim staging geodatabase. The geodatabase can then be used or further post-processing can be performed.

Usage Tips

  • This tool is used to either bring data into the ArcGIS environment, or as the beginning point in a model or script where data from outside ArcGIS will be processed.
  • The feature classes generated depend on the input data. For instance, if you import two MapInfo MIF/MID files, two features classes will be created.
  • This tool creates a new personal geodatabase, and will not append to an existing one.
  • The feature classes generated from the imported data can be accessed using the Select Data tool on the output staging personal geodatabase.
  • As data is imported, no changes to the data model are made. To transform the data model during import, a Custom Data Import Tool should be created and used.
  • Geodatabase topology or relationship feature types are not imported.
  • The following environments affect this tool: extent, workspace, scratchWorkspace, MDomain, outputMFlag, outputZFlag, outputZFlag, spatialGrid1, workspace, XYDomain, ZDomain.
  • This tool is generally used to either bring data into the ArcGIS environment, or as the beginning point in a model or script where data from outside ArcGIS will be processed.
  • The feature classes generated depend on the input data. For instance, if you import two MapInfo MIF/MID files, two features classes will be created.
  • This tool creates a new personal geodatabase, and will not append to an existing one.
  • The feature classes generated from the CAD data can be accessed using the Select Data tool on the output staging personal geodatabase.
  • The following environments affect this tool: extent, MDomain, outputMFlag, outputZFlag, outputZFlag, spatialGrid1, workspace, XYDomain, ZDomain

Command-Line Syntax

QuickImport <Input> <Output>

Parameters

Expression Explanation

<Input>

The data to be imported. The command syntax can take multiple forms:

  • If the source data is a file with a well-known file extension, it can be given as-is. For instance: c:\data\roads.mif.
  • If the source data is not a file, or the file has an unknown extension, the format can be given as part of the argument, separated by a comma. For instance: MIF,c:\data\roads.mif. The names for supported formats can be found in the Reader and Writer Gallery, by opening this tool in dialog mode and clicking the browse button.
  • Wildcards can be used to read in large datasets. For instance: MIF,c:\data\roads*.*
    • The * character matches any series of characters for all files in the current directory. For instance, c:\data\roads*.mif will match c:\data\roads.mif, c:\data\roads5.mif, and c:\data\roads-updated.mif.
    • The asterisk ** characters match any subdirectories, recursively. For instance, c:\data\**\*.mif will match c:\data\roads.mif, c:\data\canada\rivers.mif, and c:\data\canada\alberta\edmonton.mif.
  • Additional format-specific parameters can be added after the dataset, separated by a comma. However, the syntax can be complex, so if this is required, it is easiest to run the tool in its dialog box in ArcToolbox and copy the command syntax from the results window.

<Output>

The output staging personal geodatabase.

Command-Line Example

QuickImport c:\Data\roads.tab c:\out\roads.mdb
QuickImport MIF,c:\Data\*.* c:\out\alldata.mdb

Scripting Syntax

QuickImport <Input> <Output>

Parameters

Expression Explanation

Input Dataset (Required)  

The data to be imported. The command syntax can take multiple forms:

  • If the source data is a file with a well-known file extension, it can be given as-is. For instance: c:\data\roads.mif.
  • If the source data is not a file, or the file has an unknown extension, the format can be given as part of the argument, separated by a comma. For instance: MIF,c:\data\roads.mif. The names for supported formats can be found in the formats gallery, by opening up this tool in dialog mode and clicking the browse button.
  • Wildcards can be used to read in large datasets. For instance: MIF,c:\data\roads*.*.
    • The * character matches any series of characters for all files in the current directory. For instance, c:\data\roads*.mif will match c:\data\roads.mif, c:\data\roads5.mif, and c:\data\roads-updated.mif.
    • The asterisk ** characters match any subdirectories, recursively. For instance, c:\data\**\*.mif will match c:\data\roads.mif, c:\data\canada\rivers.mif, and c:\data\canada\alberta\edmonton.mif.
  • Additional format-specific parameters can be added after the dataset, separated by a comma. However, the syntax can be complex, so if this is required it is easiest to run the tool in its dialog box in ArcToolbox and copy the command syntax from the results window.

Output Staging Geodatabase (Required)  

The output staging personal geodatabase.

Script Example

Copy 
# Purpose: Import a Mapinfo TAB file, and select a specific layer from it
# Import system modules import sys, string, os, win32com.client
# Create the Geoprocessor object gp =Dispatch("esriGeoprocessing.GpDispatch.1")
# Local variables...
tab_to_import = "MAPINFO,C:/Data/exercise1/ROADS/roads.tab"
null_mdb = "C:/DOCUME~1/madam/LOCALS~1/Temp/null.mdb"
ROADS_LINE = "C:/DOCUME~1/madam/LOCALS~1/Temp/null.mdb/ROADS_LINE"
# Process: Quick Import...
gp.QuickImport(tab_to_import, null_mdb)
# Process: Select Data...
gp.SelectData_management(null_mdb, "ROADS_LINE", ROADS_LINE)