Convert GDBTABLX to 3DD

Understanding gdbtablx and 3dd file formats

gdbtablx files are part of the Esri File Geodatabase structure, specifically used as table index files that help manage and optimize access to attribute tables within a geodatabase. These files are not standalone data files but work in conjunction with other geodatabase components.

3dd files are associated with Esri ArcGlobe, a 3D visualization application within the ArcGIS suite. The 3dd format stores 3D globe documents, including layers, symbology, and spatial references for 3D visualization.

Conversion challenges

Direct conversion from gdbtablx to 3dd is not straightforward because gdbtablx files do not contain spatial or attribute data themselves, but rather indexing information. To create a 3dd file, you need to work with the actual spatial data (feature classes or rasters) stored in the geodatabase, not the index files.

How to convert geodatabase data to 3dd

To visualize geodatabase data in ArcGlobe and save it as a 3dd file, follow these steps:

1. Open ArcGlobe (part of Esri ArcGIS Desktop).
2. Use File → Add Data → Add Data... to import feature classes or rasters from your File Geodatabase (not the .gdbtablx file).
3. Arrange and symbolize your data as needed in the 3D environment.
4. Save your globe document by selecting File → Save As... and choosing the 3dd format.

Recommended software for conversion

The best software for this workflow is Esri ArcGlobe (part of ArcGIS Desktop). ArcGlobe natively supports File Geodatabase data and can export to the 3dd format.

Summary

While you cannot directly convert a gdbtablx file to a 3dd file, you can use ArcGlobe to import geodatabase data and save your 3D visualization as a 3dd document.