QGIS – Importing AutoCAD DWG

By David Crowther

Question:

Can you open an AutoCAD DWG into QGIS?

Answer:

Yes, QGIS has an importing tool so that you can import an AutoCAD DWG into a GeoPackage GIS Layer. Follow the steps below to give this a go yourself:

In AutoCAD save your DWG file. Note different versions of QGIS are compatible with different versions of AutoCAD.

In QGIS, choose Project > Import/Export > Import Layers from DWG/DXF.

Choose > Target Package, and then choose a location and specify a name for the new GeoPackage file that will be created to store the AutoCAD layers.

Next, choose the coordinate reference systems (CRS) that is applicable to the DWG data that you are importing. If you are unsure, then choose a world projection e.g.  – 4326

Then in the Source Drawing, select the AutoCAD DWG file.

Finally, choose the Layers from the source DWG that you wish to import. You can choose one, many or all the source layers.

Remember to provide a Group Name. This is used to group the AutoCAD layers into a Group folder within your GeoPackage file. In this example we have called the group – Civils.

Choose OK and the AutoCAD layers are then imported into the GeoPackage file and opened into QGIS.

Compare the AutoCAD source DWG Layers and the QGIS GeoPackage Layer.