There are two main components you likely want to transfer: and Topography (Terrain/Elevation Data) .
There are several ways to bridge the gap between Google Earth's KML/KMZ files and CAD's DWG/DXF formats: google earth to cad
Despite its utility, the conversion is not without limitations. Google Earth’s resolution, while impressive, is not survey-grade. A tree shown on a satellite image may be displaced by several feet, and the elevation model is derived from general topographic data, not a ground-based survey. Therefore, a wise designer uses Google Earth data as a rather than a final legal document. Furthermore, large areas of high-resolution imagery can create massive CAD files, slowing down system performance. The solution is selective conversion: extracting only the necessary layers (e.g., contour lines and main roads) rather than the entire visible landscape. There are two main components you likely want
: Some CAD packages, such as Civil 3D or specific versions of BricsCAD, have built-in commands or manual workflows to import polygons, routes, and placemarks as 2D/3D polylines and blocks. A tree shown on a satellite image may
Google Earth imagery is copyrighted. While you can import it for design reference and preliminary work, using it for final construction documents or commercial resale usually violates Google's Terms of Service. For construction documents, use the built-in Autodesk imagery providers or purchase aerials from a survey provider.
Since AutoCAD Civil 3D and newer versions of AutoCAD have built-in geolocation tools, you do not actually need to export files from Google Earth directly. Instead, you stream the data from online providers (often Bing Maps, which is high resolution and legally cleared for design).
If you need high-resolution satellite imagery as a background layer, you must manually align it or use automated tools.