OSM map: get DWG (AutoCAD) instead of converting GeoTIFF → DWG
Looking to turn a map from GeoTIFF into DWG? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate GeoTIFF file: osm2cdr builds the map straight from the OSM source and hands you a ready DWG, which opens in AutoCAD. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download GeoTIFF → upload to a converter → get DWG": you pick an area on the map, choose the DWG format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data and layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How GeoTIFF differs from DWG
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoTIFF | .tif | Raster | GIS analysis, remote sensing, CAD base maps, orthophotos |
| DWG | .dwg | CAD | Architectural design, master plans, construction documentation, land surveying |
How to get DWG on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the DWG format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready DWG file
DWG format properties
| Extension | .dwg |
| Type | CAD |
| Purpose | Architectural design, master plans, construction documentation, land surveying |
When you need DWG
The DWG format is handy when you need to open the result in a dedicated program and keep working with the map: editing, printing, analysing or embedding it in a project. osm2cdr delivers DWG split into layers with up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, so the file is ready to use right after download.
What changes when going GeoTIFF → DWG
A GeoTIFF raster is pixels, not objects, so an honest conversion to a DWG drawing would require vectorisation (tracing), which is always approximate. osm2cdr does not vectorise your raster: it takes the original OpenStreetMap vector data and builds DWG straight away, with real objects and layers.
If you have your own GeoTIFF file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party GeoTIFF files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own GeoTIFF file that is not from OSM, convert it to DWG with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the GeoTIFF and save the layer as DWG. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: GeoTIFF → DWG
Can I upload my GeoTIFF file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading GeoTIFF files at the moment, so convert your file to DWG with ogr2ogr or QGIS. And if your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you don't need a file at all — osm2cdr exports the map straight into DWG.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to DWG on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the DWG format and download the result.
Which programs open DWG?
The DWG format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the DWG format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online GeoTIFF → DWG converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source GeoTIFF file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds DWG with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate GeoTIFF file.