Autocad import requirements

  • Release version: Yokohama
  • Updated February 6, 2025
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Autocad import requirements

    The Autocad import capability in ServiceNow’s Map Studio allows you to create indoor maps by importing CAD floor plan source files. To ensure a smooth import process and optimal map performance, CAD files must meet specific requirements before being imported. This is crucial for map administrators to deliver accurate and clear indoor mapping solutions.

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    Key Requirements

    • File Size: AutoCAD files up to 200 MiB can be uploaded. Larger files or files with complex features may degrade performance or cause import issues.
    • Floor Separation: Each floor must be saved in a separate CAD file since Map Studio can only read one floor per file.
    • Layer Management: Building elements must be separated into distinct layers based on type (e.g., rooms, text, drawings). Layer names should be consistent across files to maintain configuration settings and enable automatic application across files (feature available in Tokyo and later releases).
    • Layer Content: Only display layers necessary for map users. Remove non-essential items like sinks or windows to keep maps clear and avoid import blocks.
    • Lines and Shapes: All lines must connect to form closed shapes to properly define rooms and spaces. Open lines can cause points to appear incorrectly in hallways or rooms.
    • File Format and Version: Export CAD files in DWG or DXF formats only. Supported AutoCAD versions range from AutoCAD 12 (AC1009) to AutoCAD 2018–2021 (AC1032).
    • Review Process: Before import, CAD sources should be reviewed by graphic designers for design corrections and accuracy.

    Important Considerations for ServiceNow Customers

    • Strict adherence to these requirements ensures efficient import and accurate indoor maps within Map Studio.
    • Consistent layer naming across CAD files helps maintain configurations and improves the management of multi-floor buildings.
    • Keeping file sizes and layer elements optimized prevents performance degradation during import and map usage.
    • Only JSON or GEOJSON imports are supported for third-party mapping provider migrations, not for general CAD floor plans.

    After adding a building, you can start importing your CAD floor plan source file in the Map Studio.

    Creating indoor maps in Indoor Mapping can be done by manually importing the CAD floor plan sources or by automating the import process using the AutoCAD import capability in the Map Studio. CAD files must meet certain requirements in the Map Studio before the CAD source files are imported. For more information, see ServiceNow Blog

    Note:
    Map administrators must ensure that their CAD sources adhere to the import requirements of Indoor Mapping Map Studio. Before importing, ensure that the AutoCAD sources are reviewed by graphic designers for design corrections and accuracy. Import of JSON or GEOJSON files is only available for third-party mapping provider migration process.

    AutoCAD files up to 200 MiB can be uploaded to the Map Studio. Uploading larger files can result in performance degradation.

    Please note that even if the file is below 200MiB, the generated data might be higher depending on the file features, and this can also result in performance degradation or import issues.

    File

    Floors in a building should reside on an isolated file. Indoor Mapping Map Studio can only read and load one floor per file. Hence, it is important that each floor is on a unique file.

    Layers

    All building layers must be separated. Floor plans in AutoCAD are created using a layer system. It is important that each building element is on a different layer to style or delete elements. Display only layers that your map users need. Make sure you don’t have any unnecessary details on your file as layers with too many elements can block the import process.
    Note:
    Interactive maps must be as clear as possible. Remove non-essential items such as sinks or windows. Sort the elements when importing your floor plan by placing these elements on a separate layer.

    All text objects must be isolated on a dedicated layer according to their type. Each type of object must have its own text layer.

    Drawings must be isolated on a dedicated layers based on the drawing type. Ensure that each room type is on a separate layer. If you are merging elements, ensure that they imported with the same line and background color.

    Names must be clear and identical from one file to another. On Map Studio, after a file is imported, the configuration is retained and automatically applied to other files only if the layer names are identical (available only in Tokyo and later releases). Map admins, map creators or map editors cannot recognize the different layers in the Map Studio if your files have different layer names. The CAD configurations are not performed automatically.

    Lines

    All lines must be connected to form closed shapes. Lines in the CAD file are used to draw the floor plan and define your building outline, rooms and inaccessible areas. Spaces outside the closed lines are considered open areas. For example, hallways.

    Ensure that all lines and shapes are properly closed. For example, if shapes are not properly closed, rooms in a hallway are not considered a part of a hallway and points are created in the rooms.

    Export

    Export your CAD file in DWG or DXF formats. Other formats are not supported. Make sure you are exporting the right version of CAD file. AutoCAD 12 (AC1009) to AutoCAD 2018–2021(AC1032) is supported in Indoor Mapping Map Studio.