Learn how to drape an image onto a terrain surface in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD using Plex-Earth to simulate a 3D image. This tutorial explains how to import imagery, create terrain, and use the Drape Image tool to project satellite/aerial raster image onto a terrain mesh for realistic 3D terrain visualization.
Introduction
Plex-Earth allows you to overlay a 2D image onto a terrain surface to create a realistic 3D terrain visualization directly in AutoCAD or Civil 3D. This process, called draping, projects the imagery onto the terrain mesh so the image follows the elevation changes of the surface.
Draping imagery helps you better understand terrain characteristics, elevation variations, and site conditions while viewing your project in a realistic 3D environment.
Step 1: Import Imagery
You can import high resolution imagery using Plex-Earth by creating an imagery mosaic. To do so, check out this tutorial: Create Imagery Mosaic
Other alternatives for the image include:
If you have a World file, like the ones created by Plex-Earth, you can just import it into your drawing using the Import World File command of Plex-Earth.
If you have a GeoTIFF image, you can also use the Import World File button in the Plex-Earth ribbon, and the image will be imported and placed at the respective coordinates.
If you are importing a standard raster image (such as JPG or PNG), you can attach it from the Insert tab → Attach in AutoCAD and specify its insertion point, scale, and rotation.
Once imported, the image will appear as a 2D raster image in the drawing.
Step 2: Import or Create Terrain
To create a terrain, go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → Create Terrain → specify the cover area → choose the Create Terrain Model option when selecting the surface type.
See the full guide here:Â Create Terrain
Step 3: Drape Image to Terrain
To drape the image:
Open the Collection Manager.
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Locate your Terrain object and click Edit.
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Go to Tools → Drape Image.
In the Draping menu, select the image to apply.
You can choose between:
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Mosaic: select the imagery mosaic and click Accept
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By Drawing: select any raster image directly from the drawing
Plex-Earth will automatically generate a TIN mesh and overlay the image to it. The image will then follow the terrain’s elevation and shape.
To properly view the draped imagery in 3D, change the visual style of the drawing from 2D Wireframe to Realistic.
Alternative Method: Drape Image on Mesh
You can also drape imagery onto an existing mesh using the raster tools:
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Go to Plex-Earth ribbon → Raster Tools → Import World File dropdown button → Drape Image on Mesh.
Alternatively, type
PXV_RASTER_DRAPEin the command line. -
Select the raster image.Â
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Select the terrain mesh.
⚠️ Note: The terrain mesh must not be a block. If necessary, explode the mesh before applying the drape command.
And this is the final result!
FAQs
Can I use any image for draping, or only imagery from Plex-Earth?
You can use any raster image that has been imported into your drawing, not only imagery fetched through Plex-Earth. This includes images imported via World File, GeoTIFF, or even a standard JPG or PNG attached directly through AutoCAD's Insert tab. The image just needs to be present in the drawing before running the Drape Image command.
I completed the draping steps but the result looks or unchanged — how do I see the 3D effect?
The draped terrain is only visible in 3D when the visual style is set to Realistic. If your drawing is in the default 2D Wireframe view, the image will not appear draped onto the surface. Change the visual style from the View tab or the visual style control in the top left corner of the viewport.
What is the difference between "Drape Image" via the Terrain Editor and "Drape Image on Mesh" via Raster Tools?
Drape Image via the Terrain Editor works with a dynamic Plex-Earth terrain model and handles the mesh generation automatically. Drape Image on Mesh via Raster Tools works with an existing static mesh object already in your drawing — useful if you have already inserted terrain as a CAD object or are working with a mesh from another source. Use the Terrain Editor method for new dynamic terrains and the Raster Tools method for existing static meshes.
The Drape Image on Mesh command is not working — why?
The terrain mesh must not be a block when using the Drape Image on Mesh command. If it was inserted as a block (which is the default when inserting terrain via the Terrain Editor), explode it first using the EXPLODE command in CAD, then retry the drape command.
Related Questions
This article explains how to drape a satellite or aerial image onto a terrain surface in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD using Plex-Earth to create a realistic 3D terrain view. You may have searched for:
- How to overlay a satellite image on terrain in AutoCAD
- How to create a 3D terrain visualization with imagery in Civil 3D
- How to project an aerial photo onto a mesh in AutoCAD
- How to drape a map image onto a surface model in BricsCAD
- How to create a realistic 3D terrain model with satellite imagery