How to Export OpenStreetMap Maps to DWG for AutoCAD
AutoCAD is the primary tool for architects, engineers, and designers. The DWG (Drawing) format stores 2D and 3D objects organized by layers. osm2cdr.ru lets you export any OpenStreetMap area to DWG with one click.
Why Export OSM to AutoCAD?
- Design base layer — building outlines, streets, green areas as a foundation for master plans or site plans.
- Territory inventory — building counts, road network length, park areas available as attributes.
- Transportation design — road network with classification (highways, streets, sidewalks).
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open osm2cdr.ru and select the export area on the map. For architectural base maps, use "detailed" or "maximum" detail level.
- Choose DWG format from the format list.
- Optionally select a coordinate reference system (CRS). For Russia the list offers 122 Gauss-Kruger zones keyed to MSK numbers: an approximation, not the true MSK of a subject; the parameters of 222 real zones across 75 MSK numbers, each with a named source and confidence class, are computed by the coordinate converter.
- Click "Download" and wait for file generation.
- Open the DWG in AutoCAD: File → Open. Use
ZOOM Eto show the entire map.
DWG Layer Structure
The file contains AutoCAD layers:
- Buildings — building outlines as closed polylines.
- Roads — road network classified by type.
- Water — rivers, lakes, reservoirs.
- Green — parks, gardens, forests.
- Railways — railway tracks.
- POI — points of interest (shops, schools, hospitals).
Alternative: DXF
If you work in nanoCAD, BricsCAD, KOMPAS-3D, or FreeCAD instead of AutoCAD — choose DXF format. It is a text-based format compatible with all CAD systems without restrictions.
All three ways to bring OpenStreetMap into AutoCAD — a ready DWG, Map 3D and QGIS with ogr2ogr — are compared in the guide OpenStreetMap to AutoCAD: three ways to import OSM data.