ShapeToDxf is a program which takes ESRI shape files and converts them into AutoCAD DXF files. The program is very easy to use. Just drag the.SHP file into the main window (or open it with the SHP icon) then click on the DXF icon to save it as an AutoCAD file. DXF files can be read by hundreds of programs, so this makes Shape files available to them, at a reasonable price.
While ShapeToDxf can open and save files in a few clicks it is sufficiently flexible to allow a more detailed approach to the creation of the DXF.
GIS professionals, map makers, archaeologists, and other users can have the objects in the SHP file assigned to different layers according to their database values (if there is an accompanying DBF file). For example geological shape/dbf files sometimes contain comments about geological formations or hazards. Geologists, architects, and civil engineers can choose to have these hazard warnings appear as text in the DXF file on their own layers.
Also ShapeToDxf allows users to assign the objects to different layers (with different colors) according to their elevation or z height. This gives you an immediate idea of the relative levels of the objects, even when viewing in 2D.
For 3D ESRI files (or 2D ESRI files with DBF files which contain elevation data) the output DXF is in 3D. The program has a simple 3D viewer included so you can get an idea of the elevation of the objects before saving the DXF file.
When the SHP file contains a collection of point objects they can be saved in the DXF file as AutoCAD point objects, or as symbol blocks. There are 17 symbol types, like circle, cross, drillhole, square, etc. AutoCAD experts can design their own symbol blocks and add them into ShapeToDxf.
ShapeToDxf costs US$49.99 and is available in 32 bit and 64 bit versions. The program works on all Windows systems from Windows XP to Windows 8, and requires an Internet connection.
There is a free demo downloadable from http://www.ShapeToDxf.com