To Get Contours From Google Earth Into Autocad | How

Extracting contours from Google Earth into AutoCAD is a multi-step process that bridges satellite elevation data with CAD vector environments. Since Google Earth does not natively export DWG contours, you must use intermediary tools or specialized plugins to convert elevation points into usable linework. Method 1: Using GPS Visualizer & AutoCAD Civil 3D (Free Workflow) This is the most common manual method for users who do not want to purchase additional software. Extract Data in Google Earth Pro: Open Google Earth Pro and navigate to your site. Use the Add Path tool to draw a "dense" zigzag pattern over your entire study area. The more points you click, the more accurate your final contours will be. Save the path as a KML or KMZ file by right-clicking it in the "Places" panel. Add Elevation Data: Since raw KML files often lack precise elevation for every point, upload your file to GPS Visualizer. Select DEM Database (best available) and set the output to Plain Text or CSV . This adds a "Z" (elevation) value to your Latitude/Longitude coordinates. Process in Excel: Open the downloaded CSV. Organize columns into Point Number, Easting, Northing, and Elevation (P,E,N,Z) format. Save this as a .txt or .csv file. Import to AutoCAD Civil 3D: Open Civil 3D and go to the Insert tab. Use the Points from File tool to import your CSV. Once points appear, right-click Surfaces in the Prospector tab and select Create Surface . Expand the surface definition, right-click Point Groups , and add "All Points." Civil 3D will automatically generate contour lines from the imported elevation data. Method 2: Using Specialized Plugins (Paid/Trial) For faster, automated results, third-party apps like CAD-Earth or Plex-Earth integrate directly into the AutoCAD ribbon. CAD-Earth: This tool allows you to select an area in Google Earth and instantly generate a terrain mesh or dynamic contour lines directly in your CAD drawing. Spatial Manager: Another robust option that uses the SPMIMPORT command to bring in KML/KMZ files and can even display Google Maps as a background reference for your site. Method 3: Global Mapper Workflow If you have access to Global Mapper, it offers a professional bridge. Open your Google Earth KML in Global Mapper. Use the Analysis menu to "Generate Contours from Terrain Grid.". Export the resulting contours as a Vector DWG file, which can then be opened directly in any standard version of AutoCAD. Critical Considerations

Spatial Manager 3:15 Contour lines from Google Earth - in 3 steps - Geofumadas Step 1. Display the area where we want to obtain the Google Earth digital model. Step 2. Import the digital model. Using AutoCAD, ... Geofumadas Show all Plex-Earth : Allows you to import high-resolution terrain directly into AutoCAD and generate contour lines in just a few clicks. It features a "By GE View" terrain option that automatically handles point collection and contour creation. CAD-Earth : Designed specifically to bridge Google Earth and AutoCAD/Civil 3D. It can import terrain meshes to create dynamic contour lines and even export them to LandXML for advanced surface modeling. Spatial Manager for AutoCAD : Uses the

This is a common workflow for landscape architects, civil engineers, and surveyors. The core challenge is that Google Earth Pro does not export native vector contours (like Shapefiles or DWG). Instead, you must either generate contours from elevation data or trace them. Here is the proper, professional workflow to get accurate Google Earth terrain contours into AutoCAD.

Method 1: The Professional Workflow (Using Google Earth Pro & GIS Conversion) This method uses Google Earth Pro’s "Save Place As" feature and a free online converter to generate true polylines. Step 1: Capture the Terrain Area how to get contours from google earth into autocad

Open Google Earth Pro (Desktop version, free). Navigate to your site. Ensure Terrain is turned on (Layers panel > Primary Database > Terrain). Tilt your view to ensure 3D terrain is active.

Step 2: Draw a Grid or Boundary (Crucial)

Use the Add Polygon tool to draw a boundary around your desired area. Name it (e.g., "Site_Boundary"). Why? Contours require a bounded area to sample elevation data. Extracting contours from Google Earth into AutoCAD is

Step 3: Export as KML/KMZ

Right-click your polygon in the "Places" panel. Select Save Place As... → Choose KML format (not KMZ for best results).

Step 4: Convert KML to Contours (Using a GIS tool) Google Earth cannot generate contours natively. You need to use a free tool: GPS Visualizer or OpenRouteService . Extract Data in Google Earth Pro: Open Google

Go to GPSVisualizer.com . Click "Elevation / Terrain" tab. Under "Input" → Upload your KML file. Under "Options" → Set "Draw contours" to Yes . Set contour interval (e.g., 1m, 5m, or 10ft). Under "Output format" → Select DXF (AutoCAD) or KML (then convert via QGIS). Click "Create contour map" . Download the resulting DXF file.

Step 5: Import into AutoCAD