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GIS DATA WORKFLOW

From CAD drawings to GIS-ready data.

Discover how to move DXF data into PostGIS or GeoPackage and continue working with it in QGIS, including styling where supported by the source data and export workflow.

Explore X-Translator

The problem

Engineering drawings are not GIS-ready data.

CAD drawings often arrive as files that need preparation before they can be used effectively in a GIS environment.

  • Moving data from DXF into a GIS-compatible format
  • Preserving relevant styling and layer information where supported
  • Making the resulting data usable in QGIS
  • Avoiding unnecessary manual conversion steps

Why SEPM

A clearer path from source data to usable results.

SEPM supports a practical workflow from CAD input to GIS-compatible output — without promising that every CAD style transfers perfectly.

  1. 01

    CAD to GIS-compatible output

    Use X-Translator to move DXF data toward PostGIS or GeoPackage, depending on your supported product configuration.

  2. 02

    PostGIS & GeoPackage roles

    Choose a target that fits your environment — enterprise PostGIS storage or portable GeoPackage files for downstream use.

  3. 03

    Continue in QGIS

    Open and work with the exported layers in QGIS as part of your everyday GIS workflow.

  4. 04

    Styling where supported

    Review layer styling and symbology after export; results depend on the source data and mapping configuration.

Demonstration

See the workflow in action.

Follow the process, from the initial data to the final result.

Workflow steps

  1. 01

    Prepare the CAD source

    Start with the relevant DXF data that defines your engineering or network geometry.

  2. 02

    Choose the target format

    Export to PostGIS or GeoPackage according to the supported configuration for your transfer.

  3. 03

    Bring the data into QGIS

    Load the resulting layers in QGIS for inspection, editing, or further analysis.

  4. 04

    Review styling and results

    Check symbology and layer structure, then adjust as required for your project standards.

Products & technologies

Expected outcome

GIS-ready data from engineering drawings

You move from isolated CAD files toward structured GIS layers you can use in QGIS — with a repeatable export workflow instead of one-off manual conversion.

Related workflows

Have a workflow in mind?

Tell us how your GIS data moves today. We'll help you explore a practical way to improve it.

Talk to SEPM