Learn how to use Plex-Earth’s Create Single Image feature to quickly import a single tile raster image (satellite or aerial basemap) into your drawing by defining an area selecting an imagery source and dataset. The image quality is dependent on the area size defined that will be covered by one image tile.
Quickly import a single-tile raster image to use as a reference for your project area in AutoCAD/Civil 3D/BricsCAD using Plex-Earth 2026.
Introduction
The Create Single Image command allows you to quickly import a single raster image (satellite or aerial imagery) into your drawing, making it easy to add a visual basemap for your project area.
When to Use
Use this method when you need a fast, simple image import for a small area. If you need higher-quality imagery for larger areas, use Create Imagery Mosaic instead. If you want to manage your project area as a complete workspace, including imagery, terrain, and historical imagery, create a Site Area instead.
Step 1. Create Single Image Command
Go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → Contextual Data panel → Create Imagery dropdown menu → Create Single Image. Alternatively, type in PXV_IMAGERY_SINGLE in the command line.
Step 2. Define the Area
Choose how you want to define the area you want to cover, such as selecting it in the drawing or using a location from Google Earth.
If you have the geographic coordinates:
Enter or paste the geographic coordinates (Latitude, Longitude)
Paste from Clipboard
Alternatively, you can use one of the 3 methods, shown in the picture below:
From Google Earth
By Point
By Rectangle
From Google Earth
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You can choose a Google Earth placemark/polygon/path to define your project’s location. Go to Google Earth → right-click on the placemark/polygon/path → Copy.
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Back in AutoCAD or Civil 3D, click on From Google Earth → Accept.
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Go to the Collection Manager palette to confirm the area → click on Next: Select Imagery Source. Alternatively, you can choose to specify another area or completely close this command.
📝 Note: When you create a path in Google Earth and then choose the option “From Google Earth” and then “Accept”, you are prompted to create a Corridor.
By Point
You can choose an area by selecting a single point in your drawing.
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Go to your drawing, and click on your preferred point.
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Go to the Collection Manager palette to confirm the area → click on Next: Select Imagery Source. Alternatively, you can choose to specify another area or completely close this command.
By Rectangle
You can choose an area by drawing a rectangle in your drawing.
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Select the By Rectangle option → draw your first and second corners to create your preferred rectangle.
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Go to the Collection Manager palette to confirm the area → click on Next: Select Imagery Source. Alternatively, you can choose to specify another area or completely close this command.
Step 3. Select Imagery Source: Select Provider and Dataset
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Choose the imagery source in the next box.
Click on Use Preview Image if you want to proceed with the default Imagery Provider and Dataset, and the single image will automatically be created.
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Alternatively, click on Choose Another if you want to choose another Imagery Provider and/or Dataset
FAQs
My single image looks blurry or low-resolution — how do I improve it?
Single Image imports one tile to cover your entire defined area — the larger the area, the lower the detail, since the resolution is spread across a single image. To get sharper imagery for larger areas, use Create Imagery Mosaic instead, which assembles multiple tiles at a higher zoom level for the same coverage area.
When should I use Single Image instead of Imagery Mosaic?
Single Image is the right choice when you need a quick basemap reference for a small area and detail is not critical — it's faster and uses fewer resources. Use Create Imagery Mosaic when you need high-resolution imagery, are covering a larger area, or need production-quality results. If you also need terrain and historical imagery in one workflow, use a Site Area instead.
Can I import imagery along a corridor or route with Single Image?
No — Single Image only supports By Point and By Rectangle area selection. For corridor or route-based imagery, use Import Imagery along a Corridor instead.
Related Questions
This article explains how to quickly import a single raster image into AutoCAD or Civil 3D using Plex-Earth. You may have searched for:
- How to quickly add a satellite image or map background to my CAD drawing
- How to add a basemap to my drawing without importing multiple tiles
- Difference between single image and mosaic in Plex-Earth