How to Import Site Maps into AutoCAD: Complete DXF Guide

Why DXF for AutoCAD?

While SVG works great for Illustrator and graphic design, AutoCAD users need DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) for proper CAD integration. ArchiKEK exports clean DXF files ready for architectural workflows.

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. Generate Your Map

• Go to archikek.com/create
• Select your location and area
• Choose any theme (colors won't transfer to CAD)
• Select "DXF" as export format
• Click Download

2. Open in AutoCAD

• File → Open
• Select your .dxf file
• AutoCAD will import with layers intact

3. Check Your Layers

Your DXF includes organized layers:

• buildings - All building footprints
• roads_highway - Major roads
• roads_primary - Primary streets
• roads_secondary - Secondary streets
• roads_residential - Local streets
• water - Rivers, lakes, sea
• green - Parks and vegetation

4. Scale Verification

ArchiKEK exports are in real-world meters. To verify scale:

• Draw a line between two known points
• Use DIST command to measure
• Compare with Google Maps measurement

If scaling is off:

• SCALE command
• Select all objects
• Apply scale factor

Working with the Import

Cleaning Up

• Delete unnecessary layers (LAYDEL)
• Purge unused elements (PURGE)
• Freeze layers you don't need visible

Modifying Buildings

Building footprints are closed polylines. You can:

• OFFSET to create setbacks
• HATCH to fill areas
• PEDIT to modify shapes

Adding Your Design

Create new layers for your design:

• proposed_buildings
• site_boundary
• landscape
• circulation

Tips for Best Results

Before Export

• Use larger area sizes (1000m+) for context
• Disable "Frame" option (not needed in CAD)
• Check that your selection includes all needed context

In AutoCAD

• Save as DWG immediately after import
• Set up your layers before detailed work
• Use XREF if combining multiple exports

Layer Standards

Consider renaming layers to match your office standards:

• A-BLDG-EXIST (existing buildings)
• A-ROAD-MAJR (major roads)
• C-TOPO-WATR (water features)

Common Issues and Solutions

File Won't Open

• Update AutoCAD to latest version
• Try opening in a blank drawing and INSERT as block

Everything on One Layer

• Check Layer Manager (LA command)
• Layers exist but might all be same color

Scale is Wrong

• Most likely unit mismatch
• Try UNITS command, set to Meters
• Re-import the DXF

Missing Elements

• Some themes hide certain layers
• Try a different theme or enable all options

DXF vs DWG

ArchiKEK exports DXF because:

• Universal format (works in any CAD software)
• No version compatibility issues
• Smaller file sizes
• Open standard

You can save as DWG after import for full AutoCAD features.

Generate Your DXF →