Convert GDBTABLE to AMA

Understanding gdbtable and ama file formats

GDBTABLE is a table file format used by Esri's ArcGIS software, specifically within the File Geodatabase structure. It stores attribute data for spatial features, such as points, lines, or polygons, and is commonly used in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) workflows.

AMA files are associated with Arc Macro Language (AML) scripts or, in some contexts, with AMAP (Automated Mapping/Facilities Management) software, where they may represent attribute or mapping data. However, the most common use is as an attribute data file for AMAP or similar mapping software.

How to convert gdbtable to ama

Direct conversion from gdbtable to ama is not natively supported by most GIS software, as these formats serve different platforms. The typical workflow involves exporting the gdbtable data to a more common format (such as CSV or DBF), then importing or converting that data into the ama format using specialized tools or scripts.

Recommended software for conversion

• ArcGIS Pro: Use ArcGIS Pro to export the gdbtable to a CSV or DBF file. Navigate to Table To Table or Export Table in the toolbox.
• FME (Feature Manipulation Engine): FME supports a wide range of GIS formats and can automate the conversion process. Use FME Workbench to read the gdbtable and write to a custom AMA format if a reader/writer is available or via scripting.
• Custom scripts: If your ama format is specific to a certain software, you may need to write a script (in Python or another language) to parse the exported CSV/DBF and generate the required ama file structure.

Step-by-step conversion process

1. Open your gdbtable in ArcGIS Pro.
2. Export the table: Table To Table or Export Table to CSV or DBF.
3. Use FME or a custom script to convert the exported file to ama format, ensuring the attribute structure matches the requirements of your target software.

Tips for successful conversion

• Check the ama file specification for your target application to ensure compatibility.
• Validate the converted data by opening it in the intended software.
• Consider automating the process with FME if you need to perform this conversion regularly.