---
title: "AutoCAD Raster Design"
slug: "autocad-raster-design"
updated: 2026-03-26T01:42:17Z
published: 2026-03-26T01:42:17Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.metromap.com.au/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# AutoCAD Raster Design

## Loading Georeferenced Images

If you have used [**Clip It!**](https://docs.metromap.com.au/docs/2d-interface-tools#clipit) tool or [**Download Image**](https://docs.metromap.com.au/docs/2d-interface-tools#download) tool from [MetroMap](https://web.metromap.com.au/) website and you want to project this image onto Autodesk® AutoCAD® Raster Design, the following steps will help you through.

Raster Design integrates with AutoCAD and these instructions are based on **AutoCAD Civil 3D 2020**.

> Please note that our MetroMap system provide various projection systems. For more introduction about Projection Systems, please refer to [Clip It!](https://docs.metromap.com.au/docs/2d-interface-tools#clipit).

These instructions apply to Autodesk® AutoCAD® Raster Design 2015 and above.

---

Important Before You Start

- AutoCAD has a **128 character file path limit**. Keep folder paths and filenames short.
- Ensure your raster is a **.JPG** with a matching **.JGW** file in the same location.
- Use an **MGA zone coordinate system** for proper alignment and accurate measurements.
- Georeferencing support: Raster coordinates (e.g. from .JGW files) are correctly interpreted in **Civil 3D**. Standard AutoCAD does not natively read this georeferencing information without additional tools (e.g. Raster Design).

## Setup Steps

Follow these steps to set up a MetroMap georeferenced layer in AutoCAD Civil 3D:

1. Move your cursor into the **Drawing area** or click the **Command** ribbon, type in `MAPWSPACE`, then press **Enter** on the keyboard. ![1(2)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/1%282%29.jpg)
2. Select **On** on the follow up menu. ![2(2)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/2%282%29.jpg)
3. The **Display Manager** should show up afterwards, click **Data** button. ![3(2)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/3%282%29.jpg)
4. Click **Connect to Data...** ![4(2)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/4%282%29.jpg)
5. The **DATA CONNECT** window should show up,
  - choose **Add Raster Image or Surface Connection** on the **left side**;
  - Then enter any name as **Connection name**;
  - Click **Picture** icon to browse and select your preferred image;
  - Then click **Connect**;  

![5(1)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/2%285%29.jpg)

Critical check

- The path to the .jgw file, including its filename, is under 128 characters long.
- The .jpg and .jgw filenames are identical, except for their extensions.

Please note that MetroMap provides various projection systems via our Clip It tool. For more information, see [Clip It!](https://docs.metromap.com.au/docs/2d-interface-tools#clipit).

1. Click **Edit Coordinate Systems**. ![5(4)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/5%284%29.jpg)
2. Click to highlight the spatial context, then click **Edit**. ![10(2)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/3%285%29.jpg)
3. In the Search box, enter the EPSG code you prefered for the projection. ![11(2)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/11%282%29.jpg)
4. Click **Select**, then click **OK**.
5. Click **Add to Map**. Once your image displays, you can close/collaps the **Data Connections window**.
6. If you have extra images to import, please repeat **Step 5 - 10**. If your images are adjacent or overlapping, they will be joined together. ![7(3)](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/7%283%29.jpg)