SPM for AutoCAD > Features > Background maps > Easy to use map tools

Easy to use map tools in AutoCAD

Name: Spatial Manager for AutoCAD
Author: Spatial Manager

Control and use background maps easily while working or designing

Quickly manage background maps using tabs organized by map provider groups, each with preview thumbnails. Maps can be shown or hidden instantly and refreshed on demand. You can also use base maps in empty drawings to start new projects, even without setting a coordinate reference system. While drawing, background maps automatically update as you move the view, making digitizing tasks much easier.

Editions: Standard Professional

What's included in the feature Easy to use map tools

Discover the full potential of this set of tools designed to enhance GIS data integration and editing within AutoCAD.

Easy Map control

Use the tabs in the Background Maps window to display a specific Map Provider Group, where the selection boxes show a preview image of the available Maps in this Group. Quickly show and hide any Map. Regenerate tools.

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Base Maps to design

It is also possible to set Background Maps in empty drawings in order to have a cartographic base when starting a new piece of work or project even without defining a specific Coordinate Reference System.

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Fast switch between maps

Keep recently used maps in the integrated palette and switch between them easily.

Background map update while drawing

The background map is automatically updated when changing view even when there are active drawing commands (line, polyline, ...), which will make digitizing tasks on the map much easier.

Integrated coordinate transformation

Both from predefined or custom maps, coordinate reference system from the map is transformed to the drawing on the fly.

Resources and Information

Google Maps in AutoCAD
Ordnance Survey in AutoCAD

Accessing user Datasets (NL PDOK sample)
Background Maps (1)
Background Maps (2)
Airbus OneAtlas imagery in Spatial Manager
Snapshots (raster images)

Background maps - User manual

Related features

Custom User Maps

Configure new custom Maps by entering a minimum of data and share the configuration with other users

Predefined map services

Enhanced in V10

Access diverse, high-quality background maps from multiple providers

Snapshots

Capture static background map images and insert them into the drawing as raster images (PNG, JPG, TIF) or OLE objects. Snapshots can be georeferenced using a World File, and you can select the image detail level. Ideal for presentations, printing, or external GIS use.

Multiple maps and views

Enhanced in V10

Display and manage multiple background maps across views and viewports

Printable background maps

Enhanced in V10

Include and publish background maps in printed drawings

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