When bringing Geo referenced information into AutoCAD (not Civil 3D or AutoCAD MAP), it is necessary to set the coordinate system. Most users are of the opinion that all one must do is drop a pin, but this is not so. Bing imagery is referenced as per the latitude and longitude, whereas the point is indicated with reference the UCS. These two need to be aligned with each other to get a consistent result. Dropping the pin in the wrong latitude and longitude or in the wrong position leaves one with a situation where the image may display correctly, but the Nothing and Easting is incorrect.
One must know three items of information for a point that is used to define the map overlay and coordinate system.
- Latitude and longitude
- Northing and Easting in the coordinate system of interest
- Orientation with respect to true north
In the case below, true north is directly up, so one does not have to worry about that. This image was taken in Civil 3D. Note Labels were created to indicate the Northing and Easting and Latitude and Longitude.
In AutoCAD Vanilla, first draw a line to the Northing and Easting in the World Coordinate system. When locating, use S/N and S/E to indicate the latitude and longitude.
Drop the marker at this point
Place the point at the location of the Northing and Easting.
Zoom in to see that the point is in the same position as what it was in Civil 3D.
If you need help using coordinate systems and map data in AutoCAD Vanilla, please contact Micrographics so we may be of assistance.
