This tutorial explains how to convert a Plex-Earth Imagery Mosaic into a standard raster image file (PNG, JPG, TIFF), save it locally, and use it in other CAD, BIM, or GIS software. It covers selecting the export format, area, and saving location, with georeferencing and world file support for broader compatibility.
Introduction
Learn how to convert a Plex-Earth Imagery Mosaic into a standard raster image file (PNG, JPG, TIFF) and save it locally to your hard drive for offline use or import it into other software. This will show how to export the mosaic from AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD, choose the export format and coverage area (entire mosaic or specific area), and output a georeferenced image with optional world file support, enabling use in other applications such as InfraWorks, SketchUp, 3ds Max, ArcGIS, QGIS, plus so much more.
Click here to see a full list of the Basemap and Premium providers that offer this feature.
For providers that prohibit downloading imagery under their Terms of Use, users will still need a Plex-Earth subscription (paid version or Lite) to reload Plex-Earth imagery when a shared drawing is opened.
Step 1: Create Imagery Mosaic
To create an Imagery Mosaic, go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → Contextual Data panel → Create Imagery drop-down menu → Create Mosaic → specify the cover area → select provider, dataset, and resolution.
Check out the full guide here: Imagery Mosaic
Step 2: Convert the Plex-Earth Imagery to a Raster Image
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In the Imagery Editor palette, click Insert → As Raster Image(s)
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Choose the output file format (e.g., PNG, JPG, TIF)
PNG files support transparency, while JPG files do not. This may affect the newly created raster file, especially when working with images with applied clipping borders or cutouts, which affect image shape. However, the PNG format will result in a larger file size for your raster image compared to the JPG option. -
Select the area to convert to raster:
Entire Area: To create a raster image for the entire mosaic.
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Specific Area: To create a raster image for a specific area of the mosaic.
The raster image will be inserted in the drawing, and the Plex-Earth mosaic will be automatically hidden.
Saving a Raster Image in a Different Folder
By default, the raster image is saved in the same folder as the drawing file, along with an accompanying World File (.jgw, .pgw, or .tfw).
To control this behavior, use the command:
PXV_VAR_USEDOCSAVEPATH
Set to YES if you want raster images to be saved automatically in the same location as the drawing.
Set to NO if you want Plex-Earth to prompt you every time to choose where the raster file should be saved.
This is useful when you want to export mosaics to a separate project folder or store raster outputs in a shared directory.
FAQs
How do I save or download my Plex-Earth imagery to my computer?
In the Imagery Editor palette, click Insert → As Raster Image(s), choose your file format (PNG, JPG, or TIF), and select whether to export the entire mosaic or a specific area. The raster image will be saved locally and inserted into your drawing. By default, it saves to the same folder as your drawing file. Note that not all imagery providers permit downloading — check the Useful Information about our Providers article for provider-specific terms.
Which file format should I choose: PNG, JPG, or TIF?
Use PNG if your imagery has clipping borders or cutouts — PNG supports transparency, so the areas outside the clip will be transparent rather than filled with a solid color. Use JPG for a smaller file size when transparency isn't needed. Use TIF when you need a georeferenced image for use in GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS. All exports with an accompanying world file for accurate placement.
My raster image is not showing or is missing when I print or export to PDF — how do I fix it?
This is a known issue with raster images in CAD printing workflows. For a full list of causes and fixes, see Imagery Not Printing or Exporting to PDF Correctly.
How do I change the folder where my raster images are saved?
Run the command PXV_VAR_USEDOCSAVEPATH in the command line. Set it to YES to always save raster images in the same folder as your drawing, or NO to be prompted to choose a save location each time. The NO option is useful when you want to export to a separate project folder or shared directory.
Can I use the exported raster image in other software like ArcGIS, QGIS, or InfraWorks?
Yes, the exported raster image is a standard image file and is compatible with most CAD, BIM, and GIS applications, including InfraWorks, SketchUp, 3ds Max, ArcGIS, and QGIS. A world file (.jgw, .pgw, or .tfw) is automatically saved alongside the image to provide georeferencing data for correct placement in GIS software. Note that not all imagery providers permit downloading — check the Useful Information about our Providers article for provider-specific terms.
Related Questions
This article explains how to convert a Plex-Earth imagery mosaic into a raster image file and save it locally. You may have searched for:
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