Kate Hadfield Designs

Hand-drawn Digital Scrapbooking kits and Clip Art for teachers, scrapbookers and crafters!

Dwf To Kmz Link [FAST]

Feature Suggestion: “Intelligent DWF to KMZ Converter with Layer & Georeferencing Preservation”

This feature would allow users to directly convert DWF (Design Web Format) files into KMZ (compressed KML for Google Earth) while intelligently handling CAD and GIS data. Here’s what makes it helpful: dwf to kmz

A. Georeferenced CAD in DWF → KMZ (best for vector features)

  1. Open the original CAD source (DWG/DXF) if available — it’s far easier than working from DWF.
  2. If you only have DWF:
    • Use Autodesk Design Review or a DWF-compatible CAD tool to export to DWG/DXF or to DXF via “Export”/“Save As”. If export options are missing, open the DWF in AutoCAD (or AutoCAD-based viewer) and save as DWG/DXF.
  3. Import DWG/DXF into a GIS:
    • Use QGIS (free): Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer (or use the “CAD Tools” plugin). Ensure you set the correct CRS (coordinate reference system).
    • Or use ArcGIS: Import CAD data and assign projection.
  4. Reproject/verify coordinates to EPSG:4326 (WGS84 lat/lon) if needed.
  5. Export to KML:
    • QGIS: Right-click layer → Export → Save Features As… → Format: “Keyhole Markup Language [KML]”. Then compress to KMZ (zip the KML and any linked files, or choose “KMZ” if supported).
    • ArcGIS: Share As → Layer Package or Layer To KML tool; or use Conversion Tools → To KML.
  6. Validate in Google Earth.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software (Safe Software FME)

If you do not have AutoCAD, or if you have many files to convert, FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) is the industry standard for format translation. Feature Suggestion: “Intelligent DWF to KMZ Converter with

  1. Download and install FME Desktop (there is a free trial available).
  2. Open FME Workbench.
  3. Set the Source format to Autodesk DWF and select your file.
  4. Set the Destination format to Google Earth KMZ.
  5. Run the translation. FME handles the coordinate system conversion automatically if the data is present.

Using AutoCAD Map 3D

  1. IMPORT your DWF file (or attach it as an underlay using ATTACH).
  2. Use the ADESETCRDSYS command to assign a real-world coordinate system to your drawing.
  3. Use the MAPIINSERT command to bring in raster or vector data to align your DWF features.
  4. Finally, use the MAKEOBJ command to convert DWF geometry into native AutoCAD objects.
  5. Use _MAPEXPORT and select "Keyhole Markup Language (KML/KMZ)" as the export format.

Pros: Seamless integration if you already use Autodesk.
Cons: Requires a specific, expensive subscription (Map 3D or Civil 3D). Open the original CAD source (DWG/DXF) if available