How to Work with Real-World Coordinates in Archicad?

Working with real-world coordinates in Archicad is a straightforward process thanks to the Survey Point. This article explains how to import a georeferenced DXF/DWG, preserve the official coordinates and work near the internal origin for the best performance.

Importing the cadastral plot

Step 1 — Import the DXF/DWG

• Import the georeferenced file with the correct units.
• Identify a clear reference point.

Step 2 — Define the Survey Point with real-world coordinates

• Select Archicad's Survey Point.
• Enter the real-world coordinates.
• It's normal for the geometry to appear far from the internal origin after this step.

Adjusting the geometry to work near the origin

Step 3 — Create a reference between the Survey Point and the Project Origin

• Option A — Draw a reference line
  Draw a line between the Project Origin and the Survey Point. This line will serve as a guide for repositioning the geometry while keeping its relationship with the official coordinates.
• Option B — Enter the real-world coordinates as negative values
  If you know the absolute coordinates of the reference point (X/Y), enter them in the Survey Point with a negative sign to automatically shift all the geometry towards the Project Origin.
  
  Example:
  If the point is at X = 432 150 and Y = 4 589 320, enter:
  X = -432 150
Y = -4 589 320
  
  Archicad will compensate for the distance, placing the elements near the internal origin without losing georeferencing.

Step 4 — Move the plot towards the Project Origin

• Select all the imported geometry.
• Move it so the Survey Point sits on the Project Origin.
• The real-world location is preserved thanks to the Survey Point.

Modelling and working with precision

• Model the project near the Project Origin to ensure precision and performance.
• You can lock the reference line on its own layer to preserve the exact cadastral point.

Exporting a file with real-world coordinates

Step 5 — Export using the Survey Point as a reference

• When exporting a DWG/DXF, enable the “Export with Survey Point as Origin” option.
• This generates a file with the real-world coordinates defined at the Survey Point.

Exporting for use in other systems

• The exported files retain the georeferencing established in Archicad.

Additional recommendations

• Import external files into a copy of the project if you want to review attributes or layers before incorporating them.
• Working near the Project Origin reduces precision risks and improves model stability.