Within these grouped feature layers is a series of layers established with a definition query in which the contents of each ArcGIS Pro layer in the grouping is based on the source CAD layer. The feature layers are grouped by geometric type. CAD feature datasets in the mapĪdding the entire CAD file to the map generates a group layer of grouped feature layers. To validate the positioning information for any CAD or BIM file, you can inspect the file properties in the Catalog pane and perform a coordinate positioning validation. Notifications will guide you to choose the proper spatial reference, and you will be presented with tools for any necessary CAD data repositioning. ArcGIS Pro alerts you when you attempt to add CAD data that does not have a proper spatial reference. wld) to identify how the coordinates in the CAD data should be positioned on the earth's surface. prj), and may require an optional coordinate transformation information file (. CAD files are required to have a valid Esri coordinate system file (. To use CAD data in ArcGIS Pro, the data must have a defined coordinate location. ArcGIS Pro also reads other feature class content in AutoCAD DWG and DXF format files from AutoCAD Civil 3D and Esri's ArcGIS for AutoCAD. MicroStation-based applications and other applications that use the DGN, DWG, and DXF file formats. ArcGIS Pro accepts data generated by AutoCAD and These platforms accommodate a range of applications. AutoCAD and MicroStation are two widely used general-purpose CAD platforms. When CAD data is added to a map, the resulting CAD feature dataset of feature classes is accessible as a read-only feature layer. In this example we have called the group – Civils.Ĭhoose OK and the AutoCAD layers are then imported into the GeoPackage file and opened into QGIS.Ĭompare the AutoCAD source DWG Layers and the QGIS GeoPackage Layer.You can add CAD data directly as feature layers in ArcGIS Pro. This is used to group the AutoCAD layers into a Group folder within your GeoPackage file. You can choose one, many or all the source layers.

Then in the Source Drawing, select the AutoCAD DWG file.įinally, choose the Layers from the source DWG that you wish to import. If you are unsure, then choose a world projection e.g. Next, choose the coordinate reference systems (CRS) that is applicable to the DWG data that you are importing. In QGIS, choose Project > Import/Export > Import Layers from DWG/DXF.Ĭhoose > Target Package, and then choose a location and specify a name for the new GeoPackage file that will be created to store the AutoCAD layers. Note different versions of QGIS are compatible with different versions of AutoCAD. Follow the steps below to give this a go yourself: Yes, QGIS has an importing tool so that you can import an AutoCAD DWG into a GeoPackage GIS Layer.

Can you open dwl files in autocad