How can I plot Lat and Long coordinates into AutoCAD

[Anonymous]

I have a csv file of Lat Long coordinates that I would like to plot onto a map in AutoCAD 3D. Currently we use this data to plot points into Google Earth but would like to transition to directly plotting into AutoCAD. The attempts I have made never scale the points correctly (They plot in a MUCH smaller scale compared to a map). Any help is appreciated

[АлексЮстасу]

Hi,

Most likely you have a "scale" difference due to different units (degrees, meters, feet) of coordinate systems. If the data is in degrees and is directly inserted into dwg, in which the units are meters/feet, then the distances between the points will be “small”, since degrees on Earth are many meters/feet.

1. Set in dwg the coordinate system required for operation - _MAPCSASSIGN.
2. Import your data from CSV or KML/KMZ into this dwg - _MAPIMPORT. When importing, check-specify the coordinate system of the imported data.

[ChicagoLooper · Accepted solution]

You will the following:

1. An appropriate coordinate system assign to modelspace.
2. An appropriately formatted csv file.

Start with a clean, brand new template such as 'No Template - Imperial.' Assign a coordinate system to modelspace, e.g. MA83F, Massachusetts State Plane US feet. For your points, start with an appropriately formatted csv file, e.g. PENZD. (You may also select any other properly formatted csv file available in the 'select formatting' dropdown section of the MAPIMPORT command.)

This video shows a how you can import lat/long points from a csv file into a map using Massachusetts State Plane CS feet. The csv file is formatted as PENZD. After the points are imported, Bing aerial imagery is turned on to illustrate how a projected CS and a geographic CS, MA83F and LL84 respectively, are able to harmonize with one another and georeference the points (telephone poles) along the streets.

[Anonymous]

When I try to import the .csv file nothing shows up. I attempted to replicate your example exactly but no results appear in the preview section. I notice you are using AutoCAD Civil 3D, is it possible I don't retreive the same results since I'm using AutoCAD Map 3D 2016?

[АлексЮстасу]

_MAPIMPORT is a Map 3D command, not Civil. In 2016, the same import (and export) as in other versions.
Civil has its own points import, including latitude/longitude in degrees, minutes, seconds. But in the import of Civil it will not be possible to create Object Data for points to load description data into them.

Most likely you did not use commas or spaces to separate the data, as advised by ChicagoLooper. Or did not translate latitude/longitude into decimal degrees.
But we can understand the problem better if you attach a file with points or at least a few lines of it.

[ChicagoLooper]

If you don’t get a ‘preview’ then you  either don’t have a properly formatted csv file or you haven’t chosen the appropriate file format type. 

The most common reason for an improperly formatted csv file is column headings in row 1 of your csv. Delete row 1 then try again. 

TIP: Create your csv By using Excel, not Notepad. Separate the data using columns, not commas, and enter only one point per ‘row.’ When you’re done, perform a SAVE AS while still on Excel using .csv (comma delimited) as extension or file type, don’t save as an xlsx. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help! I was able to plot points and it lines up exactly to the map. I have one more thing to figure out. So now I need to overlay the points to a spatial design. The only issue is that the spatial design has a pre-set Coordinate Reference System (UTM83-16F). I wonder if I can change either coordinate system so that both the map and the coordinate points match up.

[ChicagoLooper · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can. If the points in your csv file are listed in Lat/Long coordinates then you can, and must, indicate LL84 (or the applicable geographic CoordSys) while your modelspace is assigned UTM83-16F.

You will use MAPIMPORT command to bring in your points. Browse to your csv file and be sure to change 'Files of Type' to ASCII Point File (*.txt, *.csv, *.asc, *.nez) then click OK.

The settings in 'Import ASCII Points' will look like this:

MAPIMPORT command=>Import ASCII Points dialog box.

After importing your points, select all of the points and change the Scale X, Scale Y, and Scale Z in the properties palette so the points will have an appropriate size, not too big and not too small.

[Anonymous]

That settled it! Thanks again!

[ENGMA1234]

-MAPIMPORT how can I set filetype in command bar to google kml (*.kml,*.kmz)

@АлексЮстасу @ChicagoLooper @Anonymous 

[ChicagoLooper]

@ENGMA1234 wrote

<<....-MAPIMPORT  how can I set filetype in command bar to google kmL....>

Google Earth Pro uses LL84 (also known as WGS84 EPSG 4326). If you want to import a kml file to modelspace must first assign a coordinate system to your drawing. If you don't assign one, or you assign one that's not appropriate to your area, then the objects you import won't geolocate to the right spot.

1. MAPCSASSIGN to assign a coordinate system to your modelspace.

Once you've assign your coordinate system, you may use MAPIMPORT command.

When executing the MapImport command change the 'File type' to kml.

2. Use MAPIMPORT to import kml or kmz files.

[ENGMA1234]

@ChicagoLooper Thank you for helping but I want use filedia 0 ....  -mapimport I dont want using dialogbox , I have trouble to set filetype in command bar

[АлексЮстасу]

OGCKML - ?