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Geotagged Images

Purpose and Utility

Many modern photos, especially those from smartphones, drones, and GPS-enabled cameras, store location data in EXIF metadata. This data includes latitude, longitude, and often altitude, allowing each image to link to a real-world coordinate.

Moreover, the Geotagged Images Tool in SPCAD lets you import GPS-tagged photos into your CAD drawing. It maps each image precisely to its spatial location. This feature is valuable for surveying, site inspections, field verification, and report generation. Additionally, it ensures visual records are placed on a map for accurate reference and documentation.

Technical Description

  • EXIF Images:
    SPCAD reads the GPS metadata embedded in each image file. The tool extracts:
    • Latitude / Longitude
    • Converted Easting / Northing (based on the drawing’s coordinate system)
  • Image Management Options:
    • Add Images: Select EXIF-enabled images to load into the table
    • Remove Selected: Remove specific entries from the table
    • Remove All: Finally, select Remove All to clear the entire image list.
  • Table Preview:
    Once added, images are listed in a table showing:
    • File Name
    • Latitude & Longitude
    • Easting & Northing (auto-calculated from coordinates)
  • Insertion Modes:
    • Insert as Block:
      • Choose from a predefined block library
      • Blocks are placed at the image’s location and hyperlinked to the actual photo
  • Insert as Multileader:
    • Choose your own scale
    • Adds a leader pointing to a location with annotation
  • Copying Image Files:
    • SPCAD can automatically copy selected images into a folder within your DWG’s save path.
    • You can rename this folder or use the default: Linked Images
    • Note: Make sure to save your DWG before using the tool so SPCAD knows where to store images
  • Insert Table:
    • Optionally, you can insert a summary table into your drawing
    • The table includes:
      • File Name
      • Latitude / Longitude
      • Easting / Northing
  • Open Image via Block:
    • After placement, hold CTRL and click the block to open the image instantly from CAD

Workflow

  1. Assign a coordinate system to your drawing
  2. Launch the tool from GeoTools → Geotagged Images or type EXIF_SP
  3. Use Add Images to import one or multiple EXIF-tagged photos
  4. Use Remove Selected or Remove All to manage the list
  5. Review the table showing location data extracted from images
  6. Choose how to insert:
    • As Block: Pick from library
    • As Multileader: Set desired scale
  7. Optionally, enable Copy Images to Folder:
    • Folder will be created in the location of your saved DWG
  8. Insert the optional table into your drawing if needed
  9. Click OK to place all chosen images at their geotagged positions
  10. Hold CTRL + Click on any placed block to open the linked image

Tips & Notes

  • First, images without GPS metadata will be skipped automatically.
  • Next, multileader insertion is useful for compact views, while blocks work better for field documentation.
  • Additionally, this tool is especially helpful in post-survey reporting, construction progress tracking, or incident mapping.
  • Moreover, assign text styles and block scale beforehand for better layout control.
  • Finally, combine it with Coordinate Labels, Cartographic Grid, or Mosaic Images for complete mapping context.