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Import or Export Raster Image with World File

Updated
This feature is included in the following plans: Lite, Basic, Pro, and Premium

Plex-Earth makes it easy to import and export raster imagery that includes georeference data through world files. A world file is a small text file that contains spatial information—such as scale, rotation, and coordinates—which allows the associated image to be placed accurately on a map or in a CAD drawing.

This ensures your imagery is properly aligned with real-world coordinates in CAD and GIS platforms.

Importing a Raster Image with a World File

Import World Files In CAD via Plex-Earth Tools

Import World Files via Civil 3D or Map 3D Tools

Export Raster Images with World Files

Importing a Raster Image with a World File

Import World Files in CAD via Plex-Earth Tools

To import a georeferenced raster image into AutoCAD using Plex-Earth, follow the steps in this section. Plex-Earth will automatically detect and apply the georeferencing from the associated world file. Below, you can find the support formats:

  • Image formats: .JPG, .PNG, .TIF, etc.

  • World files: .JGW (for JPG), .PGW (for PNG), .TFW (for TIF), etc.

📝 Note: Ensure the image and its corresponding world file are in the same folder and share the same base filename (e.g., mosaic.png and mosaic.pgw).

Raster and World File.png

  1. Make sure that your drawing has been georeferenced before importing data.

  2. In the Plex-Earth ribbon, click Import World File from the Raster Tools section.
    PE26 Import World File button.png

  3. Select your raster image file (e.g., aerial.jpg).

  4. Plex-Earth will automatically detect the world file and insert the image in its correct geographic location.

Import World Files via Civil 3D or Map 3D Tools

If you're using AutoCAD Civil 3D or Map 3D, you can import raster images with world files using the MAPIINSERT command:

  1. Type MAPIINSERT in the command line.

  2. Select your raster image file (e.g., .jpg, .png, .tif) and click Open. Ensure the corresponding world file is in the same folder with the same name.

  3. In the Image Correlation pop up window, select World File as the Correlation Source. Adjust other parameters, if needed.

✔️ Make sure your drawing has the correct units and also the correct coordinate system assigned using the MAPCSASSIGN or GEOCASSIGN command. Plex-Earth georeference will not be recognized by the MAPIINSERT command.

Exporting a Raster Image with a World File

Plex-Earth also allows you to export raster images along with a world file so they can be accurately placed in external mapping software.

  1. In the Plex-Earth ribbon tab, click Export World File from the Import World File dropdown box in the Raster Tools section.
    PE26 Export World File button.png

  2. Select the raster image you wish to export from your drawing.

  3. Choose the folder where you want to save the exported files.

The world file will be saved automatically with the correct extension based on the image format (e.g., .jgw, .pgw, .tfw).

📝 Note: When a Plex-Earth mosaic has been converted or inserted as a raster image like in this tutorial, it is automatically accompanied by a world file saved in the same folder as the image is in.

We hope that you have found this tutorial about Import or Export Raster Image with World File, 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

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