Plex-Earth enables easy import and export of georeferenced raster images using world files, ensuring accurate map placement in CAD and GIS platforms. The feature supports major image and world file formats, works with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Map 3D, BricsCAD, etc., and retains georeferencing properties for both importing and exporting imagery.
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
To import a georeferenced raster image into AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD 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.
mosaic.png and mosaic.pgw). GeoTIFF files do not necessarily need an accompanying world file to be imported.-
Go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → Raster Tools panel → Import World File.
Select your raster image file (e.g.,
aerial.jpg).Plex-Earth will automatically detect the world file and insert the image in its correct geographic location.
Additional Functionality: Importing a GeoTIFF image or photo in CAD
You can use the Import World File feature of Plex-Earth to import a GeoTIFF image or photo in CAD, and it will place it on the corresponding coordinates defined in the metadata.
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:
Type MAPIINSERT in the command line.
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.
In the Image Correlation pop up window, select World File as the Correlation Source. Adjust other parameters, if needed.
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.
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In the Plex-Earth ribbon tab, click Export World File from the Import World File dropdown box in the Raster Tools section.
Select the raster image you wish to export from your drawing.
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).
FAQs
What is a world file and why do I need it?
A world file is a small text file that stores georeferencing data for a raster image, including scale, rotation, and real-world coordinates. When an image is imported alongside its world file, Plex-Earth (or any GIS application) knows exactly where to place it on the map. Without a world file, the image has no spatial context and will be inserted without a known location. World file extensions match the image format: .jgw for JPG, .pgw for PNG, .tfw for TIF.
My image with world file is not importing in the correct location — what should I check?
The most common cause is a mismatch between the image and its world file.
Make sure both files are in the same folder and share
the exact same base filename, for example,
aerial.jpg and aerial.jgw. If the filenames
differ even slightly, Plex-Earth won't be able to match them and the
image will be placed without georeferencing.
Do I need a world file to import a GeoTIFF?
No. GeoTIFF files store georeferencing data internally in the file metadata, so they don't require a separate world file. You can import a GeoTIFF directly using the Import World File command in Plex-Earth and it will be placed at the correct coordinates automatically.
I'm using MAPIINSERT in Civil 3D or Map 3D — why isn't the Plex-Earth georeference being recognised?
MAPIINSERT is a native Civil 3D / Map 3D command and does not recognise Plex-Earth's georeference. To use it correctly, make sure your drawing has the correct coordinate system assigned via the MAPCSASSIGN or GEOCASSIGN command, and select World File as the Correlation Source in the Image Correlation window. For the most straightforward workflow, use Plex-Earth's own Import World File command instead.
Do I need to manually export a world file for my Plex-Earth imagery?
Not always. When you convert a Plex-Earth mosaic to a raster image using the Convert Imagery Mosaic to Raster Image workflow, a world file is automatically saved alongside the image in the same folder. You only need to use the Export World File command if you want to generate a world file for an existing raster image that is already in your drawing.
Related Questions
This article explains how to import and export georeferenced raster images using world files in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and BricsCAD. You may have searched for:
- How to import a georeferenced image into AutoCAD or Civil 3D
- How to import a GeoTIFF or TIF image into CAD
- How to import a JPG or PNG with coordinates into AutoCAD
- How to export a raster image with georeferencing from CAD
- What is a world file and how do I use it in CAD