CSV file type longitude and latitude coordinates into AutoCAD LT

[Craig_Boruch]

Would I be able to import a .csv file of longitude and latitude coordinate points into AutoCAD LT 2018? 

[steven-g]

Not directly, but if you have excel you could try turning it into a script, depending on the layout of the csv file open it in excel and if your data shows in the first 3 columns of excel then all you need do is add a formula in the fourth column

="point "&A1&","&B1

and copy down the length of your data, then highlight all the items in the 4th column and press Ctrl+c (copy)

go to Autocad right click on the command line and choose paste.

You won't need column C the Z part for LT unless you want to add it.

[Craig_Boruch]

Would doing it this way create a file that can be used across other mapping, GIS software and Civil 3d (at other companies)?

[steven-g]

You can try, but I only use LT so I would have no idea. If you wish to re-use the 'code' then you could also paste that information into a blank notepad file and save it with the file extension .scr (a script file) which you can drag and drop from a folder onto an open Autocad drawing window and it will also run. Does your other software accept scripts?

[Craig_Boruch]

I would try what you said, but as for your question, I am like you.  I only have LT.  The other companies have that other software.

[steven-g]

Sorry I misread your question, I thought you meant could the script be used in other programs? The points you create in LT using this method create just that "points" and if you do have the 'Z' value in the csv file then you can include that as well.

="point "&A1&","&B1&","&C1

Which will be there in any program that reads the dwg format.

[Craig_Boruch]

So perhaps I'm not understanding this correctly.  What your basically saying is that I can even go to the command line and type, Point 41.743165, -82.008853 and get the same result?  But when I do this I get my point, but it's those numbers in feet from the drawing 0,0,0 origin.  If the origin is going to be the intersection of Prime Meridian and the Equator then I'll still be locating into the Atlantic Ocean off Africa.  What am I doing wrong?

[steven-g]

If your data isn't in the same format as the units in your drawing then you would first need to convert the data, LT is a general-purpose program not designed for Civil, a second problem would be that using absolute global values is going to put you a long way from the 0,0,0 origin which can cause other problems. But there are plenty of sites out there for using excel to convert between data types, which would mean first doing the conversion and then placing the points in LT. But they are still only points. Autocad LT has no idea where the middle of lake erie is but you could get it to show you the distance between a set of points if you convert the csv file to useable units.

What exactly are you trying to achieve?

[Craig_Boruch]

This is proving to be more difficult and almost sounds impossible with LT.  My company and I are trying to use GPS coordinates derived from GPS equipment out in the field to put into LT for the drawings.  Then use those drawings and accompanying coordinate points for other software at other companies that utilize GIS software such as ArcGIS, Civil3d, ESRI, etc.  I found that Northing and Easting is measured in Meters, but then Degrees, Minutes, Seconds and decimal of seconds.  

[steven-g]

Impossible just means it takes a bit longer to do.😀 And that is an economical decision to make, Civil 3D costs a whole lot more than LT but it also has a lot of time-saving specialised tools built-in and it is designed to work in this type of field.

But if you are trying to create a dwg file that other software can use then you are going to have to know how that other software expects the points to be organised, does it even use points, or is it some other type of geometry that LT cannot create. If you posted an example of the csv data it would be much clearer, but also an example of the type of file that would be required by these other companies to use.

As an exercise in "can I do this" I would find it an interesting idea. But it could be a bit like learning how to start a fire by rubbing two sticks together yeah it can be done, it's fun to learn but even as an expert it's probably going to take half an hour to get a fire started,so in reality, I'd just buy a lighter.

Here is just one site that lists a lot of formulas that can be used in excel but how accurate do you need to be, how large is the survey area and do you need to allow for the curvature of the earth.

So as an amendment to my earlier comment NO LT doesn't have the capability to be able to directly accept a csv file with longitude and latitude coordinates. But you might find a method to convert that data into a format that LT can use, but very doubtful if you can find a method using LT that will create anything useable by Civil 3D or other products.

[Craig_Boruch]

"...but how accurate do you need to be, how large is the survey area and do you need to allow for the curvature of the earth."

Ok, I attached a .csv file as a sample.  The files would need to be as accurate as the coordinates being given.  The survey areas are maybe a few thousand feet/meters so the curvature of the earth is not important.

[steven-g]

Autocad LT is a general-purpose drafting software, and I'm definitely a general-purpose user, so you would need to help me here, what is that data how are you supposed to read it, if this is geolocation data the best I can make out, places me in the Republic of Karelia in Russia? or South Sudan depending on where you place the decimal? But I would hazard a guess at the first column being just a point label,

2nd the X value or northing but is that (meters, yards, feet millimetres?)

3rd the Y value or easting

4th the elevation/altitude?

and finally a location description

It has been some fascinating reading over the weekend, and Autocad LT does use geolocation data and also a special type of geometry 'position marker' and it will also work with latitude and longitude display. 

So what does that csv data represent? 

[pendean]

It appears you are using the wrong software: you need to be using
Map3D https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/included-toolsets/autocad-map-3d
or
Civil3D https://www.autodesk.com/products/civil-3d/overview

Try each and find out which one works best for your needs before you commit. Balance the cost of the software with your billable time so far trying to do what you need.

[Craig_Boruch]

Here is an easier file that I

[steven-g]

LT will accept latitude and longitude coordinates, once a drawing has had a geolocation marker set. But it will only use those coordinates when using the '_geomarklatlong' command which places a special type of point that also has a leader and label, and unfortunately, it looks like that cannot be done from importing data, but rather by entering the latitude and longitude coordinates one at a time, you can save some typing by getting Excel to create the command and enter the coordinates, but you will have to still enter the label details by hand for each point you need to place.

[Craig_Boruch]

This may prove useful.  I already used the Insert Set Location From Map, but the GEOMARKLATLONG is what may be the golden goose.  I'll let you know what they think. 

[Craig_Boruch]

Hi Steven G.,  This does work for me using AC/LT 17.  As a test, I got coordinates from Google Maps and put it into the drawings, but they are off by like 30ft.  I will request coordinates from the field to see if they are more accurate as I can't verify the accuracy of Google Maps.  I will let you know.  Thank You. 

[steven-g]

What exactly do you mean by they are off by 30ft, is that a total length/area when checked against the survey data?

[Craig_Boruch]

If I pick a landmark on Google Map to get the Lat/Long then use those coordinates in AC/LT, it shows up about 30ft away from that landmark.  Like I said, Google Map may not be accurate from my experience.  I will have to see if coordinates from an actual GPS device gives me the same results.

[steven-g]

Could it be a question of which gis coordinate system is used?