After a sounding has been completed, it is possible to export both the background map (vector maps only), and the regularly spaced sounding files (matrices) in ESRI shape file format, for example, for further processing in other software packages which support the ESRI shape file format.
ESRI Shape files are supported in most GIS packages, including QGIS, ESRI and much more. After you have created a matrix of your sounding, sections or map, you should have something like this:
Example of a matrix file generated in Hydromagic.
The ESRI Shape export option can be started by selecting the "Export" => "Export ESRI Shape Data" from the "File" menu. The following window should appear:
Use the ESRI shape export function to save your project data in shape file format.
First, you have to select the items you wish to export as Shapes. The following Hydromagic objects can be converted to ESRI shape files:
Just enable the check box in front of the objects you want to include in the final ESRI Shape file. To reset the selection, click the "Select None..." button, or to select all objects, click "Select All...".
ESRI Shape files can only contain point, line and polygon features. Hydromagic converts the selected data to one of these feature types automatically. For depths, the Z-coordinates of the point, line or polygon vertices are used.
Please note that only vector maps can be converted to ESRI Shape format. It is not possible to embed raster maps into a ESRI Shape file. For a list of supported vector formats, please have a look at this document.
Next, you have to select an output file name for the ESRI Shape file. Click the "Browse..." button to select a file. If the specified file already exists, you will be prompted. If no extension has been supplied, the default ESRI Shape extension (.shp) will be appended.
It is possible to write the ESRI Shape data using another map projection then the one which is used in your current project. To do so, click the "Select..." button to choose the map projection for the output file.
When this option has been selected, an ESRI WKT compatible projection file will be written, allowing other software to set the correct map projection for the ESRI Shape file.
When all parameters are setup correctly, click "OK" to start the export. A progress indicator will appear at the bottom at the screen, and the window will close after a couple of seconds. You can now open the ESRI Shape file in most GIS programs, it is also possible to use the generated ESRI Shape file as a background map in Hydromagic.
The map and matrix example after being exported a ESRI shape file. Each point is a matrix depth (spacing 10 meters) .
