Import Google Earth Image Into Autocad ((exclusive)) Jun 2026
Bringing a georeferenced satellite image from Google Earth into AutoCAD allows you to trace existing features, understand site topography, and create accurate base maps. Below are the – one using Google Earth Pro (free) and another using the premium Plex.Earth tool.
Best for: AutoCAD 2015 and later. This method creates a live link to map data.
To make the image real-world size, draw a line over the Google Earth scale bar included in the image. Use the SCALE command with the Reference option to match that line’s length to its actual value (e.g., 50 meters). 2. The Geolocation Method (Live Maps) import google earth image into autocad
Click the icon. In Map Options , uncheck the title and legend, then set the Resolution to "Maximum". Save the file as a .jpg or .png to your project folder. Import into AutoCAD: In AutoCAD, type IMAGEATTACH and select your saved file.
This is the most common way to import a specific view from Google Earth Pro into any version of AutoCAD. Bringing a georeferenced satellite image from Google Earth
To import Google Earth images into AutoCAD, follow these steps:
| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | Image is blurry | Zoom in closer in Google Earth before saving; use "Save Image" at maximum resolution. | | Image won't align | Use with 3 or more points for better accuracy. | | Scale is wrong | Check that AutoCAD units match the units used in Google Earth (meters). | | Image disappears after zoom | Type PLAN → World to reset view; check image draw order (use DRAWORDER ). | | Need transparency | Use PNG format if you saved without background (not fully supported in Google Earth). | This method creates a live link to map data
If you need georeferenced, high-resolution imagery without manual scaling, several plugins are designed specifically for this workflow: How to use Google Earth in AutoCAD - Complete tutorial
Bringing a georeferenced satellite image from Google Earth into AutoCAD allows you to trace existing features, understand site topography, and create accurate base maps. Below are the – one using Google Earth Pro (free) and another using the premium Plex.Earth tool.
Best for: AutoCAD 2015 and later. This method creates a live link to map data.
To make the image real-world size, draw a line over the Google Earth scale bar included in the image. Use the SCALE command with the Reference option to match that line’s length to its actual value (e.g., 50 meters). 2. The Geolocation Method (Live Maps)
Click the icon. In Map Options , uncheck the title and legend, then set the Resolution to "Maximum". Save the file as a .jpg or .png to your project folder. Import into AutoCAD: In AutoCAD, type IMAGEATTACH and select your saved file.
This is the most common way to import a specific view from Google Earth Pro into any version of AutoCAD.
To import Google Earth images into AutoCAD, follow these steps:
| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | Image is blurry | Zoom in closer in Google Earth before saving; use "Save Image" at maximum resolution. | | Image won't align | Use with 3 or more points for better accuracy. | | Scale is wrong | Check that AutoCAD units match the units used in Google Earth (meters). | | Image disappears after zoom | Type PLAN → World to reset view; check image draw order (use DRAWORDER ). | | Need transparency | Use PNG format if you saved without background (not fully supported in Google Earth). |
If you need georeferenced, high-resolution imagery without manual scaling, several plugins are designed specifically for this workflow: How to use Google Earth in AutoCAD - Complete tutorial