Exporting MGCP layers to shapefiles using geoprocessing

Multinational Geospatial Co-production Program (MGCP) databases can be exported to shapefiles that meet this particular product specification. The shapefiles are based on the feature class subtypes and are named using the geometry type and the feature code. For example, the shapefile for the River line feature class would be named "LBH140".

The Geodatabase To Shape tool allows you to export field values and descriptions. This allows you to maintain the attribute integrity for the data after the export is complete. You can also export the feature classes so they are Unicode compliant.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap or ArcCatalog.
2. Click the ArcToolbox Window button on the Standard toolbar.

   The ArcToolbox window appears.

3. Browse to Defense Mapping Tools > MGCP > Geodatabase To Shape.
4. Double-click the Geodatabase To Shape tool.

   The Geodatabase To Shape dialog box appears.

5. Click the Browse button next to the Shape Folder text box.

   The Shape Folder dialog box appears.

6. Navigate to the folder that will contain the shapefiles.
   Note:

   You can also create a new folder.

7. Click Add.

   The Geodatabase To Shape dialog box appears.

8. Click the Browse button next to the Feature Classes text box.

   The Feature Classes dialog box appears.

9. Navigate to the MGCP workspace that contains the feature classes to be converted to shapefiles.
10. Select the feature classes you want to convert to shapefiles.
11. Click Add.

    The Geodatabase To Shape dialog box appears.

12. Click the Output Type drop-down arrow and choose an option for exporting domain values.
    • Values—Exports coded domain values as raw values
    • Descriptions—Exports domain values using their descriptions
13. Click OK.