AutoCAD DXF

.dxf

Supported

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data exchange format developed by Autodesk, the native interchange format for AutoCAD. DXF stores vector graphic data in text format, including points, lines, polygons, text annotations, and layer information. In GIS, DXF is commonly used for data exchange with CAD systems, and many survey and engineering data are provided in DXF format.

Specifications

Standard: Autodesk

MIME: application/dxf

Key Features

AutoCAD native exchange format, universal in CAD industry
Text format readable, easy to parse programmatically
Supports rich graphic attributes including layers, colors, and line types

Advantages

Supported by virtually all CAD software and many GIS applications
Suitable for exchanging data with engineering surveys

Limitations

Limited coordinate system support, usually no spatial reference information
Potentially large file sizes, complex graphics difficult to parse

Common Use Cases

Importing CAD engineering drawings into GIS systems
Cross-platform exchange of survey and planning data

Related Tools

DXF → GEOJSON GEOJSON → DXF