This tutorial will show you how you can display the same geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) in AutoCAD and Google Earth.
Step 1. Georeference the drawing with AutoCAD
Georeference the drawing with AutoCAD using the GEO command (NOT via Plex-Earth). You can see the steps on how to do this here
This way, AutoCAD will recognize the applied georeference. Plex-Earth recognizes the georeference settings defined by AutoCAD's GEO command but not vice versa.
If you have Civil 3D or AutoCAD Map 3D, you can use MAPCASSIGN or GEOCASSIGN to georeference your drawing, as well.
Step 2. Show Lat/Long in AutoCAD
For AutoCAD to show lat/long coordinates, type in the COORDS command and set the variable to 3.
Step 3. Show Lat/Long in Google Earth
Go to Google Earth and change its settings to show Lat/Long. To do so, go to Tools -> Options.
You can check the results by looking at the right side of the status bar at the bottom of AutoCAD and Google Earth.
Use the same Geographic Coordinates in AutoCAD and Google Earth
), located at the bottom, right-most button of AutoCAD's status bar, and then choose "Coordinates".
Now that the coordinates match in AutoCAD and Google Earth, you can confidently continue to the next process of your workflow, whether it is importing imagery or terrain via Plex-Earth.
We hope that you have found this tutorial on displaying the same geographic coordinates in AutoCAD and Google Earth, helpful. Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may still have.
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Compatibility includes:
AutoCAD, Civil 3D®, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D: 2026 , 2025 , 2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020
BricsCAD (Pro, Mechanical, BIM, Ultimate): V25 , V24 , V23 , V22 , V21