SPM for AutoCAD > Features > Import data > Import options

Import options in AutoCAD

Assign layers, label features, filter spatially, and control elevation

Assign a common layer or dynamically create new layers using field values from the incoming data. Label any type of object—points, lines, or polygons—by selecting a data field, and automatically apply label properties such as rotation or height from other fields. Use a spatial filter to import only the objects within the current view. You can also assign elevation and thickness based on attribute values.

Editions: Basic Standard Professional
What's included in the feature Import options

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

Basic target layer or new target layers using a field value

Define a common target layer or select a field from the incoming data source to take its values as the target layer for each new imported object.

Basic target layer or new target layers using a field value<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>
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Labeling objects while importing

Choose a data field to label any object: point type, linear type or polygonal type (centroids). Smart text location for the linear type objects. The properties for the new texts (rotation, height, etc.) can be taken from other data fields.

Labeling objects while importing<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>
Play video

Spatial filter

Import only the objects in the current view.

Spatial filter<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>

Elevation and thickness from field values

Take field values from incoming data to set the elevation and/or thickness for the new objects.

Elevation and thickness from field values<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>
Play video
Related features
Geometry options<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../geometry-options/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Geometry options

Import as points or block references, fill polygons, or create centroids

Data import<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../data-import/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Data import

Import attribute data as XDATA for smarter AutoCAD drawings

* Only available in Standard and Professional editions

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

Import tasks

Save Tasks in AutoCAD to replay import processes (including all process parameters) so many times as desired

* Only available in Professional edition

Advanced import tools<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../advanced-import-tools/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Advanced import tools

Import data easily using wizards, palettes, or batch tools

Import files, databases and online services<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-files-databases-and-online-services/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import files, databases and online services

Connect to a wide variety of spatial data sources

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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