For architects, civil engineers, and land planners, the gap between precise CAD modeling and real-world geography is a constant challenge. An AutoCAD drawing exists in an abstract, two-dimensional coordinate space, while a construction site exists on a curved, three-dimensional planet. Bridging this gap—overlaying a proposed design onto a satellite image of the actual site—is critical for visualization, site analysis, and client presentations. While there is no single "Overlay" button, a reliable workflow using AutoCAD Map 3D, Civil 3D, or standard AutoCAD with Google Earth Pro allows you to achieve this powerful result.
Navigate to the "Toolbox" tab in your Toolspace. Expand "Miscellaneous Utilities" > "Export KML." how to overlay autocad drawing on google earth
Ensure your drawing units (feet vs. meters) match your coordinate system settings to avoid scaling issues. For architects, civil engineers, and land planners, the
If you only have basic AutoCAD, you need a two-step manual process. While there is no single "Overlay" button, a