How to Export Archicad Models to GML Format?

Archicad does not allow you to export directly to .GML format. This article describes an alternative workflow for obtaining a GML file by first exporting to DWG/DXF and then using a GIS application such as QGIS or FME.

Prerequisites

• Archicad (with DWG/DXF export capability).
• QGIS (free) or FME Desktop (commercial tool).
• Basic knowledge of coordinates and reference systems.

Workflow Steps

Step 1 — Prepare the Model in Archicad

• Open the project in Archicad.
• Verify that the model is correctly georeferenced.
• Clean up unnecessary layers or elements.

Checking Georeferencing via the Survey Point

If the model was created at the project origin, you need to define the Survey Point with the real survey coordinates. This will ensure the exported file (DWG/DXF) keeps the correct geospatial position.

Steps to Set the Survey Point with Real Coordinates:

1. Open Location Settings:
   Menu: Options → Project Preferences → Location Settings,
   or right-click on the project name in the Navigator and select Location Settings.
2. Enter the survey coordinates:
   In the Survey Point panel, enter the Easting and Northing coordinates provided by the surveyor, in the Position field.

Note: Use negative values where applicable so the coordinates display correctly in coordinate objects and during export.

Save the changes: Click OK to confirm the settings.

Step 2 — Export to DWG/DXF

1. Advanced Configuration for Exporting with Real Coordinates (Survey Point)

   By default, Archicad exports DWG files using the project origin. To keep the real survey coordinates (Survey Point) during export, follow these steps:

   1. Configure the DWG Translator to Use the Survey Point

   1. Make sure you are in a model view (for example, Floor Plan, Section, or 3D).
   2. Go to File → Save As… and select DWG as the file type.
   3. In the Save As dialog box, click Settings next to the Translator field.
   4. In the DXF/DWG Translation Setup window, open the Save Options panel.
   5. In the Match Files Origin section, select Survey Point from the drop-down menu.
   6. Click OK to save the changes and return to the export dialog box.
   7. Complete the export as usual.

   Note: You can refer to the illustration of the process (Capture2.jpg) to check where the options are in the dialog box.

   2. Always Export from a Model View

   Georeferenced coordinates are only preserved when the export is done from a model view (for example, Floor Plan, Section, or 3D View).

   Exporting from a Layout does not keep the real coordinates, since layouts operate in a paper coordinate system (Paper Space).

   Note: To ensure the DWG file contains the correct survey coordinates, always export from a model view and avoid doing so from the Layout Book or the Publisher when survey coordinates are required.

Step 3 — Import into QGIS

• Open QGIS and go to Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer.
• Select the exported DWG/DXF file.
• Check that the geometry appears in the correct position.

Step 4 — Export to GML

• Right-click on the layer → Export → Save Features As…
• For format, select GML.
• Choose the CRS required by the competent authority.
• Save the GML file.