Importing a .csv file into Autocad 2016

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm using regular AutoCAD 2016. I have multiple .csv files that were from a handheld GPS that I need to get into a drawing. I've tried converting them into a .scr file but when I try to import that file into AutoCAD the points don't show up.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

It sounds like you are almost there in this process. Can you tell me which version of AutoCAD you are using and can you share your script file? I will try to bring the points into a file to see if it works on my side.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

I'm using AutoCAD 2016.

[john.vellek]

HI @Anonymous,

From your spreadsheet, I suggest adding a couple of columns. The first one will be a CONCATENATE of the two coordinates (X,Y)

The next column will add the Point command in another CONCATENATE function.

Once you have this for each row, you can simply copy this last column into a Notepad file and add a SCR extension to it. Then when you run SCRIPT and select the file it should place the points.  You might also need to set your point style (PDMODE) and size (PDSIZE).

Please give this a try. I have attached my version of your data as a starting point.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

After I ran SCRIPT and selected the file, nothing showed up in my drawing.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am sorry if you are still having problems with the process. I made a quick video for you that shows the steps.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I copied the last column from your spreadsheet (minus the title row) into a notepad file and named the file points.scr.

Then in AutoCAD, I ran SCRIPT, selected the points.scr file and then zoomed out. Depending on your point settings you may or may not see the points now. In my case I changed the point style to 34 to get a better visual of the points. I have attached both the scr and dwg file for you to look at.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

If I use Map 3D 2016 would the steps be different?

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

The same process would work in Map 3D. I have not worked in Map in a long time so let me see if @Deron.Smith can give you some help on the extra options available in that application.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[TerryDotson]

Simply importing the points is only half the problem.  The points are in Lat/Long and very few actual projects are workable in that system.  Therefore most of the time while importing you want to project the lat/long to another known system that is in feet or meters.

[john.vellek]

Right you are Terry!

I am assuming that the OP would be trying to do that in the spreadsheet (CSV file) and I only attempted to import the data.

I appreciate the clarity and the input as always!

[Anonymous]

In my case, I used ASCPOINT(Lisp made from CADstudio) for importing CSV file into Drawing.

To import it, CSV file only written X, Y, Z Coordinate.

It is a simple method that I think.

Also, Depends on GPS device, You can make DXF format in the device, and then You can use it as Drawing.

[TerryDotson]

If you were to consider third party add-ons, the fastest way to get this data projected into the drawing is using the Block Place tool in DotSoft's GeoLocationPlus.  All you have to do is assign a coordinate system to your drawing and open this dialog ...

... which lets you simply select the file, choose the appropriate fields and your locations instantly appear in the drawing as inserts.  If you don't have a block definition of your own it will build one for you in a single click.  All the non-coordinate data populates block attributes so everything is displayed.  A couple more clicks using GeoLoc's Publish tool and you're looking at the data in Google Earth (sample KMZ file attached).

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem. Please mark a post or posts as accepted solutions if they resolved the issue or give me a bit more detail on this issue so we can continue to work towards getting this solved.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.

[hisham_fawzy123]

patrickj1975

Because of the kind of your data ( lat/long ) not a regular easting and northing, you can use civil 3d and you will be able to import all of your files in less than 5 minute.

I can help you with a screencast for it but I have to know the coordinate system you are using for those files.

[Anonymous]

We only have AutoCAD 2016 available.

[hisham_fawzy123]

Ok,
You have 2 options
1. you can attache your files and i will make it for you, But you have to tell my the coordinate system you are using.
2. You can use online conversation websites such as http://www.zonums.com/online/coords/cotrans.php?module=13
This website can convert lat/long to UTM coordinates by uploading a file.

[Anonymous]

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@john.vellek wrote:

Hi @Anonymous,

I am sorry if you are still having problems with the process. I made a quick video for you that shows the steps.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I copied the last column from your spreadsheet (minus the title row) into a notepad file and named the file points.scr.

Then in AutoCAD, I ran SCRIPT, selected the points.scr file and then zoomed out. Depending on your point settings you may or may not see the points now. In my case I changed the point style to 34 to get a better visual of the points. I have attached both the scr and dwg file for you to look at.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

---

I was able to get the points to import but they stacked on top of each other.

[TerryDotson · Accepted solution]

I was able to get the points to import but they stacked on top of each other.

That's because they are in Lat/Long.  Even if you collected data across the entire planet, it would only be 360w x 180h.  On standard size jobs the farthest distance between points is in decimals.  You can't work in Lat/Long, you will have to choose a known plane system (like Minnesota State Plane) and project your point to it so the distance between is in feet or meters.

[Anonymous]

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@john.vellek wrote:

Hi @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem. Please mark a post or posts as accepted solutions if they resolved the issue or give me a bit more detail on this issue so we can continue to work towards getting this solved.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.

---

Another question: I have a DXF file with just points from a GPS, when I xref it in as a DWG the points are really small. How do I change the size of them?

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

Pdmode changes the appearance and PDSIZE changes the size of nodes in AutoCAD. Is that what you needed?

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.