Select Google KML as the file type. Ensure you do not change the input coordinate system (usually LL84 for Google Earth) to avoid alignment issues.
Click in your workspace to specify the location and North direction. The map will load as a live background.
Converting Google Maps data to AutoCAD is a common task for architects, urban planners, and civil engineers who need real-world context for their designs. While AutoCAD does not have a direct "one-click" Google Maps import button, you can achieve this through several official and third-party methods. 1. Using Built-in Geolocation (Bing Maps) how to convert google map to autocad
Full versions of AutoCAD (specifically the "Map 3D" toolset included in AutoCAD 2024+ or Civil 3D) have built-in tools to grab imagery directly from the web. Note that due to Google’s licensing, most CAD software connects to Bing Maps or OpenStreetMap, which offers similar satellite quality.
Fast, free, no extra software. Cons: Not georeferenced; scale is approximate; image quality degrades upon zooming in. Select Google KML as the file type
Use Case: You don't want an image; you want editable lines (polylines) for roads, boundaries, or parcels.
This is the quickest method but offers zero geographic accuracy regarding scale or location. The map will load as a live background
| Your goal | Best method | |-----------|--------------| | Quick sketch | Screenshot + trace | | Accurate site plan | QGIS → DXF | | Live background map | ArcGIS for AutoCAD plugin | | Roads/buildings as lines | KML → MyGeodata Converter → DWG |
Because Google Maps uses a spherical projection (Web Mercator) and AutoCAD uses a flat Cartesian coordinate system, a simple "copy-paste" will result in distorted, unusable data. This guide outlines the best methods to convert Google Maps data into AutoCAD, ranging from simple image tracing to high-precision georeferencing.
If you have created specific points, lines, or polygons in Google Earth, you can export them as or KMZ files and import them into AutoCAD Map 3D or Civil 3D.
In the dialog box, search for your address or coordinates. Step 4: Once found, drop a marker and click Next .