AutoCAD newbie - how to import and manipulate dxf files from GPS survey data in AutoCAD 2027

[lucieM]

Hi - I am very new to AutoCAD (I randomly taught myself how to use it years ago for a very specific use but it has been hugely updated since) and need to learn if I can use it to help me manipulate GPS survey data. I am dealing with very simple polygons, lines, and points which I will put into ArcGIS, but I believe it should be easier to play with layers and snapping on CAD to tidy and organise my data before I add it to my GIS project. I am using Autodesk AutoCAD 2027 (unsure how that is possible in 2026!)

So far, I have added my dxf files, but they have been inserted in completely random places as it needs me to set the insertion point. I have tried setting my drawing up with BNG and in metres, which is what my GPS is set to, but I know it isn't working to automatically locate my drawings as I have tried saving the files and importing them to GIS and they have no known coordinates (when I try to add the correct coordinates, nothing happens). 

My first question is therefore how do I correctly import my dxf files so they are in the right location? Or, do I need to georeference them? I cannot find a geolocation tab anywhere, which tutorials from previous versions of AutoCAD refer me to.

Secondly, my files import as different layers depending on the codes used for my survey, which is what I want! Weirdly though, I cannot select them as individual layers but only as one block. Is there a way to isolate the layers and edit them separately? I was playing with tracing over the shapes and adding these to new layers but this isn't exactly optimal for efficiency. When I tried to use the edit block mode the drawing zoomed out a bizarre amount so I completely lost all my data and it was impossible to find again. 

I am aware this is probably very basic stuff, but I am really in need in the most basic step by step instruction to get me started if anyone is able to help. TIA!

[imadHabash]

Hi,

@lucieM 

>> I cannot find a geolocation tab anywhere

• The GEOGRAPHICLOCATION command already exists.
• How to Set a Geographic Location
• Georeferencing Images and Geocoding Locations in AutoCAD

>> I cannot select them as individual layers but only as one block. 

It seems that all of your inserted data are on one layer (i guess).

>> Is there a way to isolate the layers and edit them separately?

of course, there are many ways (Layiso command) BUT you must have layers in your drawing.

[Pointdump]

Hi @lucieM,
Welcome to the Autodesk Forums.
If you have a current subscription to AutoCAD you can get, at no extra charge, Map 3D. Map 3D is what you need to work back-n-forth with ArcGIS.
Can you post one of your DXF files? Are they a direct output of your GPS unit? What other formats can your GPS unit output?
Dave

[AllenJessup]

What coordinate system are you working in and what coordinate system do you think the DXF files are in.

[lucieM]

Hi,

Thanks for your response. I have installed Map 3D - hopefully it works better! It doesn't seem to want to import dxf files though, which is odd. These are a direct output from my GPS and are the file type commonly used in my field so I am assuming there is a simple way to get them to work. I don't have a consistent GPS - we have a couple that are being replaced but by which brands I don't yet know - so I want to use a file type I know will reliably be available. I don't think I can share the data but it is all pretty basic stuff made up of simple lines, points and polygons. 

[lucieM]

Everything is British National Grid 

[Pointdump]

Hi lucieM,
DXF files should open easily in Map 3D. Are you using command DXFIN or are you opening from inside the program. Don't double-click in Windows to open.
Can you create a DXF file, for testing, from points and lines in, say, a nearby park?
Dave

[lucieM]

Hi, ah I see now, I don't think I was clear enough - I would like to have all my files in the same drawing. I was just dragging and dropping files in - I have tried the DXFIN command and it's giving me the same result of opening each file in a separate tab. I can copy them over into the same one, but that is a little awkward and doesn't keep the same spatial points. It may be that it is easiest for me to manipulate files directly in GIS - I was hoping CAD would be easier (I've definitely used it for this purpose years ago but never actually added files or exported the final result to GIS) but maybe I have misremembered exactly how it was being used! Thanks for all the help 

[AllenJessup · Accepted solution]

After creating the first drawing with DXFIN. Use the ClassicInsert command to insert the rest of the DXFs. Remember to change the file type to DXF.

You can also start with an existing drawing and insert the DXFs.

[lucieM]

Thank you that is brilliant - I hadn't come across that method of inserting a file before, and it keeps the location georeferenced! 

[AllenJessup]

You're welcome. I just have a lot of experience with these programs.