Before You Start
Prepare the drawing, coordinate system, source files, and support files before importing geospatial data.
Required Preparation
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| SPCAD license | The import command checks the SPCAD license before opening the source picker. |
| Active drawing | Open the drawing where the imported data will be placed. |
| Assigned drawing CRS | The drawing must have a coordinate system. If no CRS is assigned, SPCAD shows a warning and opens the coordinate system assignment workflow. |
| Source data | Keep the selected file, sidecar files, and database folder accessible during import. |
| Internet access | Only required when the source depends on a remote service or when external resources referenced by a file must be available. |
Assign CRS before import.
SPCAD cannot safely transform geospatial data into the drawing until the drawing CRS is known.Sidecar Files
Some formats use companion files. Keep these files in the same folder as the main file.
| Format | Important Companion Files |
|---|---|
| Shapefile | .shx, .dbf, and preferably .prj for CRS information. |
| Raster image | A world file such as .jgw, .pgw, .tfw, .wld, or the matching world-file extension. |
| MapInfo | Keep associated files such as .dat, .id, .map, or .mid with the selected file when applicable. |
| KMZ | Embedded images and resources should remain inside the KMZ package. |
Drawing Units
When the drawing CRS stores unit information, SPCAD uses that information during transformation. This helps imported data arrive in the same drawing units used by the current project.