SPM for AutoCAD > Features > Image tools > Import images from Google Earth

Import images from Google Earth in AutoCAD

Import high quality and historic raster images from Google Earth using a configuration file (.geprint) that stores the map options and its geolocation

Editions: Professional

Import images from Google Earth

Advanced tools to import high-resolution and historical raster images from Google Earth directly into your drawings.

By using a configuration file (.geprint), the import process captures not only the image but also the precise geolocation and map settings, ensuring accurate spatial alignment.

This feature enables users to access current and past satellite imagery for detailed analysis, comparison, and enhanced project context without leaving the AutoCAD environment.

Related features
Import images<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-images/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import images

Import of georeferenced raster images into the drawing. Supports a variety of formats such as TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF, ... (Data Providers list).

Export images<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../export-images/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Export images

Export of georeferenced raster images from the drawing. Supports a wide variety of georeferenced formats such as TIF, PNG, JPG, ...(Data Providers list).

Import of photos with EXIF GPS data<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-of-photos-with-exif-gps-data/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import of photos with EXIF GPS data

Import of photographs with GPS location (contained in their EXIF data), captured at the moment they are taken and automatically placed in their correct location in the drawing when importing

Export World File<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../export-world-file/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Export World File

Export to external file the complete geo-reference information of any raster image contained in your drawing

Related Posts
Start a drafting project over Google Earth imagery base

This article explains how to start a drafting or design project using a Google Earth imagery base. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to overlay drawings, plans, or architectural projects... more

Import Google Earth historical imagery to DWG

Download historical imagery directly from Google Earth to your DWG using your preferred CAD platform for enhanced accuracy and analysis. Get aerial photographs from different dates and compare the evolution... more

Google Earth high quality images in your DWG

Learn quickly and easily how to integrate Google Earth high quality images with your DWG using your preferred CAD platform. A wide range of resolutions are available up to 8K... more

Import of photos with EXIF GPS data

Today, it is very common to get photographs with embedded GPS location. You can take these kind of pictures easily with your own mobile or camera. Latitude and longitude is... more

frequently asked questions
Current compatible AutoCAD applications:
  • AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Architecture (Windows Only)
  • Versions: From v.2013 to v.2026 both included. Review the version compatibility page for more details.
Note: AutoCAD LT is not a compatible application because of its intrinsic limitations but you can use Spatial Manager Desktop™ to import/export via DXF files
System requirements:
  • Windows 7 or higher, within the operating system versions supported by the AutoCAD version used
  • 500 MB free disk space, or more
  • Windows Installer 3.1 or later
Spatial files
  • Esri Shape file - (SHP)
  • Google Earth file - (KML, KMZ)
  • OpenStreetMap file - (OSM, PBF, OSC) (1)
  • LiDAR file - (LAS, LAZ)
  • GPS exchange format file - (GPX)
  • Esri ASCII Grid file - (ASC, ASCII) (1)
  • ASCII text file - (ASC, CSV, NEZ, TXT, XYZ, UPT)
  • SQLite file - (SQLITE, DB)
  • GeoPackage file - (GPKG)
  • GML file - (GML, GZ, XML)
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
  • Autodesk SDF file - (SDF) (3)
  • MicroStation v.7 file - (DGN) (2)
  • AutoCAD DXF file - (DXF) (2)
  • Esri ArcInfo export file (ASCII) - (E00) (1) (2)
  • MapInfo file - (TAB) (2)
  • MapInfo interchange format file - (MIF/MID) (2)
  • GeoJSON file - (GEO.JSON)

Spatial raster files
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
    • Georeference sources - (World files, Google Earth .GEPRINT, etc.)
  • Variable resolution Raster image file - (Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF/COG TIFF) (1) (4)

Spatial data servers and Geo-databases
  • Esri Geodatabase File - (GDB) (1)
  • PostGIS database
  • Microsoft SQL Server Spatial database
  • MySQL database (1) (3)

Image map servers
  • WMS/OGC API Maps Web Map Services (4)
  • WMTS/OGC API Tiles Web Map Tile Services (4)
  • XYZ/TMS Tile Map Services (4)

Other spatial data sources
  • Open Database Connectivity ODBC (1)
  • WFS/OGC API Features data store (1)
  • WFS data store (FDO) (1) (3) (6)
  • WFS data store (OGR) (1) (2) (5) (6)

(1) Read-only
(2) OGR data source
(3) FDO provider
(4) Background Maps technology
(5) OGR for WFS data stores will not be found in the data Provider list under some circumstances (certain AutoCAD Map versions and others). Please, use the native or FDO variants for this data Provider
(6) DEPRECATED - Whenever possible use the native WFS/OGC API Features data provider

Note: certain data Providers are only valid for some Editions of the application