File Formats and Data Types

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DWG format

Koordinates supports the export of both vector and raster data, including aerial photography, into DWG, a proprietary format used in a range of CAD software applications. This makes it easier for CAD users to use authoritative spatial data as a reference layer in their projects. 

Raster exports

While DWG is a vector-based format, we enable the export of raster images, such as aerial photography, to DWG. We do this by inserting polygons within the DWG file, which then link to external JPEGs of aerial photography. The CAD software effectively 'fills' those polygons with the JPEG image files — enabling large aerial photography to be used in CAD software without crashing the application. 

Vector exports

Points, lines and polygons for vector exports are inserted directly into the DWG file, though note that there is a maximum of 50MB vector data allowed per DWG. This is to ensure that your DWG file does not crash your CAD software. 

We attach XDATA to each point, polygon and polyline for vector DWGs. 

Tabular data

We do not support export of tabular data to DWG. If you have added tabular data to your collection, it will be filtered out before export. 

Projections 

Because CAD software does not tend to support projections, Koordinates ensures that your DWG export is laid out as close to your chosen projection as possible. Note that coordinate reference information is not included in your DWG export. 

Layering

DWG files downloaded from Koordinates contain all the vector and image layers you've selected, overlaid and positioned correctly relative to each other. The order of these data layers in your DWG export will follow the order of data layers in your collection. 

'Z' coordinates

Koordinates supports the use of 'z' coordinates for DWG exports, though note that the z unit must match that used for the x and y axis for use in CAD software. This is not always the case with geospatial data, especially layers that use latitude and longitude as units (because there is no 'z' equivalent for latitude and longitude). 

To ensure that CAD software can process data with z coordinates, Koordinates will automatically set the units of DWG exports to metres or 'undefined', depending on the chosen export projection. 

Limitations

Note that, for DWG downloads, Koordinates does not support:

  • Map projection or coordinate reference system information;
  • TIFF as an image format;
  • Gridded raster layers; and
  • Export of symbology.