Overview
This guide explains how to create a georeferenced Shapefile (SHP) in Autodesk Map 3D for use in DroneDeploy. By properly assigning a coordinate system and exporting your drawing, you can ensure your overlays align accurately with your drone data.
How to create a georeferenced SHP
Follow these steps to configure your project, export the data, and upload it to DroneDeploy.
1. Assign a coordinate system
If your project does not already have a coordinate system, you must assign one.
Type MAPCSCREATE in the command line and press Enter.
Follow the wizard's prompts to select and configure your desired coordinate system (CS).
Click Finish when complete.
2. Load and assign coordinates to the DWG
Open your aligned DWG file using the Open option in the application menu (three-line menu).
Type MAPCSASSIGN in the command line.
Select the desired coordinate system in the window that appears. You can search by the EPSG code to ensure accuracy.
Click OK.
3. Export as a Shapefile
Type MAPEXPORT in the command line.
Name your SHP file and click OK.
Select Line or Polygon depending on your object type.
Navigate to the Options tab and verify that the Coordinate System is visible and correct.
Click OK.
4. Compress files
Exporting a Shapefile generates several associated files (DBF, IDX, PRJ, SHP, SHX). All of these must be present for the file to work correctly in DroneDeploy.
Locate the exported files.
Select all associated files (DBF, IDX, PRJ, SHP, SHX).
Compress them into a single ZIP file.
5. Upload to DroneDeploy
Navigate to your project in DroneDeploy.
In the Layers section, click Add.
Select Overlays and drag and drop your ZIP file, or click to select it from your computer.
The file will begin processing. Once complete, it will appear as a layer on your map.
V2.2