Exporting Maps to KOMPAS-3D: Integrating OSM with Russian CAD Systems

KOMPAS-3D and Cartographic Data

KOMPAS-3D is a Russian CAD system by ASCON, widely used in mechanical engineering, construction, and architecture. For designers working on site plans, landscaping, and utility networks, integrating cartographic data into KOMPAS is an everyday task.

The traditional approach -- manual digitization of paper maps or raster backdrops -- is slow, inaccurate, and expensive. OpenStreetMap offers an alternative: ready-made vector data that can be imported into KOMPAS via DXF format.

Why Designers Need OSM Maps

Site Plans

When developing a territory master plan, you need a base map: existing buildings, roads, water features, and green areas. An OSM map contains all these layers in vector form, ready for editing.

Landscaping

A landscaping project starts with the existing situation: where are the roads, sidewalks, and trees. OSM data provides this information without field surveys (for preliminary design work).

Engineering Surveys

During preliminary surveys, an OSM map helps: - Define site boundaries - View surrounding development - Plan equipment access routes - Assess terrain

Client Presentations

A site plan with the proposed building is a mandatory part of any presentation. An OSM map serves as a quality backdrop.

Workflow: OSM -> DXF -> KOMPAS-3D

Step 1: Export from OpenStreetMap

Open osm2cdr.ru and select the desired territory on the map. From the format list, choose DXF (or KOMPAS if the native format is available).

Important export settings:

Coordinate system. For design work, choose the appropriate local coordinate system for your region. On osm2cdr.ru, 165 coordinate reference systems are supported, including UTM zones and various national systems.

Detail level. For a district plan -- high detail. For a city overview -- medium.

Style. For CAD work, the Minimal style is optimal -- black and white, no fills, clean outlines.

Step 2: Import DXF into KOMPAS-3D

Open KOMPAS-3D and create a new drawing.

File > Open > file type: DXF (*.dxf) > select file

Or via import:

File > Import > DXF/DWG

KOMPAS will offer import settings:

• Scale: typically 1:1 (if coordinates are in meters)
• Units: millimeters (KOMPAS works in mm, DXF in drawing units)
• Layers: import all (buildings, roads, water, green)

Important about units: If the DXF was created in meters but KOMPAS expects millimeters, you need to apply a scale of 1000. Or specify the source file units in import settings.

Step 3: Layer Organization

After import, check the layer structure in the Document Manager:

Document Manager > Layers

Typical structure after import: - 0 -- objects without a layer - buildings -- building outlines - roads -- road centerlines - roads_casing -- road edges - water -- water features - green -- parks and green areas - labels -- labels

Rename layers according to your standards if needed.

Step 4: Scale and Layout Setup

For site plans, typical scales: - 1:500 -- detailed development plan - 1:1000 -- master plan - 1:2000 -- planning organization scheme - 1:5000 -- location plan

Set up the drawing frame:

Insert > Title Block > select format (A1, A2, A3)

Step 5: Editing

Now the map is part of your project. Typical actions:

Placing the designed object. Draw the new building outline over the base map. Use hatching per standards to indicate functional zones.

Utility routing. Route water, sewer, and gas lines along roads and passages visible on the base map.

Vertical planning. Add design elevations and slopes using terrain data.

Landscaping. Mark sidewalks, lawns, recreational areas, and street furniture based on existing layout.

Working with Large Coordinates

Local coordinate systems often use large numbers (millions of meters). KOMPAS-3D handles these correctly, but: - Increase coordinate display precision (Tools > Options > Precision) - Use snaps for precise positioning - When printing, ensure the drawing frame covers the needed area

Combined KOMPAS and QGIS Workflow

The optimal workflow for complex projects:

1. QGIS -- data preparation: load OSM, filter, spatial analysis
2. Export from QGIS to DXF -- with required projection and layers
3. KOMPAS-3D -- design over the prepared base map
4. Back to QGIS -- for spatial analysis of the project (influence zones, buffers)

This approach combines QGIS spatial analytics with KOMPAS design tools.

Comparison with AutoCAD

For Russian design organizations, KOMPAS-3D is often preferable for two reasons: built-in GOST standard formatting and inclusion in the national software registry.

Common Problems and Solutions

Garbled text in labels

Cause: encoding mismatch between DXF and KOMPAS. Solution: specify Windows-1251 encoding during export, or select the correct encoding during import.

Coordinate offset

Cause: coordinate system mismatch. Solution: ensure the DXF is exported in the same CRS as your project.

Very small or very large objects

Cause: unit mismatch (meters vs millimeters). Solution: apply a 1000x scale during import (if DXF is in meters).

Lost arcs and curves

DXF represents curves as polylines with many points. This is normal: for cartographic data, the precision is sufficient.

Automation via Macros

KOMPAS-3D supports macros in Python and VBA. You can automate:

• DXF import with preset parameters
• Layer renaming per standards
• Symbol placement
• Building schedule generation

This saves hours of routine work when regularly updating the base map from OSM.

Integrating OpenStreetMap and KOMPAS-3D via DXF format is an efficient way to obtain an up-to-date base map for design work without expensive field surveys during preliminary stages.