Importing map objects from AutoCAD

2026-09-29Last updated

To import AutoCAD blocks as map objects when creating a map from an AutoCAD file, associate the blocks with existing Security Center SaaS entities.

Before you begin

Ensure that the AutoCAD blocks you want to import as map objects have matching Security Center SaaS entities.

Procedure

  1. After completing the Choose your background step in the map creation workflow, associate AutoCAD block definitions with Security Center SaaS entity types to import the blocks as map objects.
    AutoCAD block mapping interface showing associations between AutoCAD block definitions and Security Center SaaS entity types.
    If you previously synchronized entities from AutoCAD and the same block definitions exist in your current file, the wizard loads the same mapping by default. You can edit the synchronization settings, import previously saved settings from an XML file, or define new ones.
  2. If this is the first time you create a map from AutoCAD, click Add ().
  3. In the dialog box that opens, associate an AutoCAD block with an entity type.
    Dialog box for associating an AutoCAD block with a Security Center SaaS entity type before synchronisation.
    Entity type
    Security Center SaaS entity type behind the map objects you want to import.
    Block
    Block definition to be associated to the selected entity type.
    Name attribute
    Block attribute that holds the block instance name that must match the entity name.
    Name comparison
    Search for entity names by Exact match or Starts with.
    Apply rotation
    Rotates imported map objects so they match the orientation of the corresponding AutoCAD blocks.
    Rotation offset
    Specifies the number of degrees used to adjust the imported object's orientation.
  4. Click Synchronize.
    The matching AutoCAD block instances are listed and associated with Security Center SaaS entities.
  5. If there are block instances you do not wish to import, select them in the list and click Remove ().
  6. (Optional) Associate more AutoCAD blocks with Security Center SaaS entity types.
  7. (Optional) Export your synchronization settings to an XML file for reuse.
    1. Click Export.
    2. In the file browser that opens, enter a file name and click Save.
    An XML file that captures the AutoCAD blocks to Security Center SaaS entity type synchronization settings is created. You can reuse those settings the next time you create an AutoCAD map with the same block definitions.
  8. Click Next.

After you finish

Return to the Creating maps from image files workflow and continue the remaining map creation steps.