Import Ortho Image - Civil 3D

Learn how to import Looq ortho into Civil 3D

Updated on October 15th, 2026

  1. Download the ortho image from the Looq portal (geotiff format is the only option) and save to your computer

     
  2. Create a new Civil 3D file with the correct drawing template. Be sure to pay attention to using a Metric or Imperial template

     
  3. Set the drawing settings and choose the same coordinate system that was used for the Looq processing and what was set in the ReCap file (if you are using ReCap). These coordinate systems should all be the same. Be sure to check the “Scale objects inserted from other drawings” and “Set AutoCAD variables to match”

    Note there is a difference in settings between Meters / Imperial and for US Survey Feet
     

US Survey Feet

For US Survey Feet projects, use the following settings. 

 

 4. Ensure the "Units" in Civil3D are set to Unitless (do this only for Ortho Import - See Autodesk Knowledge Article Georeferenced image incorrectly placed or scaled when using MAPIINSERT in AutoCAD Map or Civil 3D)

 

 
 

Metric / Imperial

For Metric or Imperial projects, use the following settings. 

 4. Ensure the "Units" in Civil3D are set to Meters or Feet (depending on the coordinate system)
 

 
 


4. Use the MAPIINSERT command to import the georeferenced image. The settings should automatically populate based on the geotiff image from the Looq site, but ensure the “Scale” is set to 1 on the Insertion tab. 

 

5.  Confirm the proper alignment by importing the ground control file used in the GCP workflow in the Looq platform. Import them as Civil 3D points and confirm the alignment.