Georeferencing a CAD dataset

You define a geographic transformation for a CAD dataset in ArcMap using the Georeferencing toolbar. To preserve the aspect ratio of the CAD dataset, only commands that perform two-point similarity transformations are enabled; all others are unavailable.

Georeferencing a CAD dataset creates a companion <filename>.wld file with the same name that is stored in the same folder with the CAD file. World files must not contain spaces; rename the CAD file if necessary. The .wld file is hidden and not viewable in a Catalog window.

You can save a .wld file as a universal world file using the reserved name esri_cad. A universal world file applies the same transformation to all CAD files in the same folder. The esri_cad.wld file is applied only to CAD drawings in the folder that do not have a transformation already defined.

Rotate, Shift, and Scale

Use the Rotate, Shift, and Scale tools to quickly drag and size a CAD dataset in general proximity to the target location before using control points.

Control points

Control points are coordinate locations that are used to define a transformation. They can be entered by snapping to existing features or entered explicitly. When adding control points, you can use the link table to view and edit them interactively.

Fit To Display

Fit to display shifts the CAD dataset to the current display area.

Update Display

Update display applies the active control points and draws the CAD dataset at its new location.

Update Georeferencing

Update georeferencing performs the transformation and saves the control points to a .wld file.

Reset Transformation

Reset transformation can be used to undo active control points or to return the CAD dataset to its position prior to using Update Display.