Vector linework that is not natively geolocated can be a pain to use in spatial software - however, it's often what developers receive from surveyors and planners. This app will help you place your CAD linework into Giraffe for tracing.
Add the App
Go to the app store, and search for "CAD Import"
Click "Add"
Click the CAD Import icon to open
Upload your File
Drag and drop or browse for your DWG, DXF, or Vector PDF
Once uploaded, the upload area will display the file name in green
If you uploaded the wrong file, just drag or browse for a new one.
Configure Layer
Give the layer a name.
Select whether you want to create a project layer or a temporary layer.
Temporary Layer: Will only exist in layer Palette in current session. Will be removed on refresh
Project Layer: Saved to Layer Library and permanently added to project.
If you are uploading a multi-page PDF, you will have more options:
One layer per page: Each page will create a separate layer in the layer palette
All pages in one layer: All pages will be flattened into a single layer, overlapping
Configure Coordinates
Geolocating the file is very important to get accurate terrain, solar, and project context. use the coordinate tools to place the file correctly.
There are a few options for placement:
Local Cartesian - Pick origin on the map.
Type the lat/lon of the file origin
OR
Select "pick origin on map" and click to place the origin
Use S to snap the origin in the correct place
The Origin is the 0,0,0 point of the source DXF or DWG.
Select Coordinate System from the List
If the file is geolocated already, you can select its coordinate system from the dropdown and it will place automatically.
Manually Add the Coordinate System
If your file is geolocated and you don't see its system listed in the dropdown, you can add the information manually.
In the coordinate system dropdown, just yype a custom CRS and press Enter. Accepts EPSG codes, PROJ strings, or WKT.
Configure Units
Files are often formatted differently by region, or different unit scales are assumed.
Select the units, rotation from North, and/or scale to ensure the file places at the correct size.
Select the units of the file - not what you want it converted to. Giraffe will take care of the rest
Import
Click "Import to Project"
The file is placed and converted to a layer using the settings you chose.
Advanced Options
For more configuration, expand Advanced Options:
