4 replies to this topic

[GlossopJohn]

I have a PDF, created with ArcGIS 9.3, that contains object data (3 attributes for each object brought over from ArcGIS). I am hoping to export to Illustrator and preserve the attribute data (or at least 1 attribute, the name of each polygon), as object names I guess, in AI. If I simply open the PDF in AI, each object just has the name <path>. Any ideas if this is possible? I know of Mapublisher, and may resort to buying that, it is just a little expensive for what might be a one-off need, so i'm seeing if I can do it with software I already own first.
Thanks
John

[ELeFevre]

John,
It isn't possible to preserve attributes exporting to Illustrator. ArcMap 9.3 allows you to include attributes in a PDF and thats it. To do this in Illustrator you need Mapublisher. If this is a one-time deal, you could probably find someone on here to do it for you...or you could download the MP trial and see if it does what you need it to.

[GlossopJohn]

Thanks for the advice E.LeFevre. I've downloaded the mapublisher trial - that allows me to see attribute data in the 'Map attributes' window in Illustrator (CS2)- but I can't see how to change the name of each polygon (path) from <path> to an attribute value.
Thanks again for your help
John

[Rick Dey]

John,

I believe what you are referring to as an attribute in Illustrator is not the same as an attribute in a GIS program. It is simply what Illustrator identifies it as being in the layer palette. Even MAPublisher won't do that, it will retain the attributes within the plug-in and you can use that for labeling and other GIS processes but not what it appears you are trying to accomplish. At least not in my experience.

[GlossopJohn]

Rick
OK, I see, many thanks for your help
John