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Import ArcGIS data into Forma Site Design

Importing view-only layers to your site allows you to use ArcGIS layers as Forma Site Design elements. Interact with the Forma Site Design tools to get the most out of your imported GIS layers. The ArcGIS for Autodesk Forma extension allows you to import GIS data as one of the following Forma Site Design elements:

  • Generic Import as Generic icon

  • Roads Import as Roads icon

  • Buildings Import as Buildings icon

  • Property Boundaries Import as Property Boundaries icon

Import ArcGIS data

You can import your ArcGIS layers into Forma Site Design on the Layers tab of the extension.

To import ArcGIS layers into a Forma site, do the following:

  1. Click the Layers button Layers on the sidebar.

    All ArcGIS layers that have been added to the Forma site display.

  2. Click the Import to Forma button Import to Forma next to the layer you want to make a Forma Site Design element.

    The following options appear:

    • Import as Generic Import as Generic icon

    • Import as Roads Import as Roads icon

    • Import as Buildings Import as Buildings icon

    • Import as Property Boundaries Import as Property Boundaries icon

  3. Select how you want the layer to be imported.

    There is a loading period while the layer is being imported.

    Note:

    The Import as Buildings option will request you to set a value for the Set building height parameter from either the Use Forma default (3m) or Use layer field settings.

    If you select the Import as Generic option, the layer style set in ArcGIS will be retained.

    If you select any of the other import options, the layers will adopt the native style of Roads, Buildings, or Property Boundaries in Forma Site Design.

  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to import more view-only layers to your Forma site.

View ArcGIS layer attributes

Open the Attributes of imported ArcGIS features to explore and analyze their metadata. Use this access to spatial data for enhanced project planning.

To view the attributes of imported ArcGIS features, do the following:

  1. Select an imported ArcGIS feature in the Forma site.

    The Attributes tab Attributes opens and displays the attributes of the selected feature.

  2. Optionally, use the Shift key on your keyboard to select more imported ArcGIS features.

    When multiple features are selected, the attributes for each will be collapsed by default in the extension. Click the Collapsed button to open the selected features' attributes.

  3. Optionally, click the Flash selection button Flash selection to highlight the selected element in the Forma site.

You have now imported view-only ArcGIS layers into Forma Site Design, and can open attributes for individual features to analyze key information and flash features in the site.