.shp to Map 2004

[jev2740101303]

need help importing .shp files into autodesk map 2004 and maintaining the associated coordinated of the line work

[Jmurphy]

Can you provide a little more details? Are you wanting to know how to import a shp file or you import one but the line work doesn't keep the coordinates assigned?

[jev2740101303]

I used the "mapimport4" command to import the line work form the shape file along with the associated gis data assigned to the line work. The GIS data was assigned by the county (Dutchess County NY) and is associated with the state coordinate plane. The latitude and longitude tracker seems to be off as i moved around in the .dwg, and my suspicions were confirmed when i imported the .sid file for the area that i was going to work with.
In most cases i am not to concerned with coordinated but we just got a Trimble GeoXT to assist us in field navigation and data collection. I need to bring the files into the device with coordinates so i can see where I am. Right now i am just working with a loaner GeoXT so i dont have the software for it. I know i can import the .shp directly to the device so i dont have to make the cad conversion but another option is importing a dxf with I felt I would be more comfortable working with thus my need to import the .shp to map.

[Jmurphy]

Is there a prj file with the shape file? The prj file is the projection file that is assigned to the shape file and you should be able to open it in notepad to get an idea of what coordinate system the file is really in. There are a few ways in ESRI GIS MAP to create a shape file and say it's in the correct coordinates system and it looks and works OK in GIS MAP but in reality in not correct.