How to annotate / link with new database information?

OK, I've done lots of searching, but can't seem to solve this... I'm using Map 2008 and a Microsoft Access 2003 data base

I've got a drawing that has imported shapes in it, and those imported shapes do have object data associated to them (ie: DISP_NUM, DISP_TYP, etc.----> disposition number, disposition type, etc.)

I've found a way to link the shapes to an ACCESS database (mdb). This mdb also contains other fields that will have to be updated on a regular basis (ie: Owner) and then those updates to be reflected digitally within the CAD file.

I've got to come up with a way of annotating the shapes, based on the DISP_NUM and other object data that is embedded within the shape, but have tried for 2 days in vain to be able to link the extra fields from ACCESS to annotate the Owner field.

I've got a couple of scenarios that will work.

I've manually added OD to the shape and updated the Owner field prior to annotating (quite a chore considering I'm looking at a few thousand shapes).... but is there a way to automatically update the Owner field under the object data from the ACCESS database, using the DISP_NUM as a unique key?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

TIA

J.

I've manually added OD to the shape and updated the Owner field prior to annotating (quite a chore considering I'm looking at a few thousand shapes).... but is there a way to automatically update the Owner field under the object data from the ACCESS database, using the DISP_NUM as a unique key?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

In the past, I would import all of the shapes into "Drawing A", then create another drawing "Drawing B" then link Drawing A to Drawing B. Use the query feature within Drawing B to insert the Shapes and Annotation.

The only difference is that there's no databases being used. Everything will be in Drawing A.

I hope that make sense:?

In the past, I would import all of the shapes into "Drawing A", then create another drawing "Drawing B" then link Drawing A to Drawing B. Use the query feature within Drawing B to insert the Shapes and Annotation.

 

The only difference is that there's no databases being used. Everything will be in Drawing A.

 

I hope that make sense:?

Yep, that *would* work Darin, except that I can't get everything into Drawing A....