Short version
Most survey drafting workflows move between three kinds of files: field data coming in, CAD drawings being produced, and plots or exchange files going back out. A competent drafter can usually work from whatever your instruments and software export, but the details matter. Coordinate system, units and point descriptions matter as much as the file extension.
Input files drafters commonly accept
What you send depends on how the data was collected. Common inputs include:
- Point files: CSV, TXT or similar comma- or space-delimited files in a P,N,E,Z,D (point, northing, easting, elevation, description) layout.
- Raw and controller data: instrument or data-collector files such as JobXML, RW5 or FBK, which let the drafter review observations and not just final coordinates.
- Existing CAD files: DWG and DXF from AutoCAD or Civil 3D, and DGN from MicroStation, including prior survey base maps.
- Documents and scans: PDFs, TIFF or JPG images of recorded plats, deeds, title commitments, legal descriptions and hand-drawn field notes.
- Field sketches: photographed or scanned notes showing linework, offsets and feature codes.
- Images and GIS data: aerial imagery, GeoTIFF and shapefiles used as reference.
Point cloud and LiDAR inputs
Laser scanning, mobile mapping and drone LiDAR produce large datasets. Drafters typically convert these into usable linework, surfaces and features. Common formats are:
- LAS / LAZ: the standard for LiDAR and classified point clouds.
- E57: a vendor-neutral format used by many terrestrial scanners.
- RCP / RCS: Autodesk ReCap formats that load directly into AutoCAD, Civil 3D and Revit.
- PTS / XYZ: simple text-based point formats.
Because these files can run to many gigabytes, share them via a cloud link or transfer service rather than email. Where possible, include a cropped or decimated version for scoping and the full-resolution data for extraction.
Deliverable formats drafters produce
The standard deliverable is a DWG file, because AutoCAD and Civil 3D dominate US surveying and civil engineering. Beyond that, most firms ask for a combination of editable and fixed formats:
- DWG: the editable working drawing, with layers, styles, blocks and viewports.
- PDF: a fixed plot for review, client delivery or recording.
- DXF: a neutral CAD exchange format for software that cannot open DWG.
- DGN: for MicroStation-based teams and some transportation agencies.
- LandXML: surfaces, alignments and parcels for use in other civil design software.
- CSV / TXT: point lists for stakeout and data collectors.
- RVT: Revit models when the work extends to BIM, architectural or MEP drafting.
Format comparison
| Format | Type | Typical use | Editable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWG | CAD drawing | Primary survey and civil deliverable | Yes |
| DXF | CAD exchange | Moving linework between platforms | Yes |
| DGN | CAD drawing | MicroStation and agency workflows | Yes |
| Plot / document | Review, signing, recording | Limited | |
| LandXML | Civil data exchange | Surfaces, alignments, parcels | Yes |
| CSV / TXT | Point list | Stakeout, import into CAD | Yes |
| LAS / E57 / RCP | Point cloud | LiDAR and scan-to-CAD extraction | Source data |
| RVT | BIM model | Revit and architectural work | Yes |
Practical tips to avoid handoff problems
Most rework traces back to missing context, not to the file format. A few habits help:
- State the coordinate system and units. Name the datum, projection or state plane zone, and say whether units are US survey feet, international feet or meters.
- Include your template or standards. Layer names, text styles, linetypes and title blocks let the drafter match your office's look.
- Send a point description key. A feature code list tells the drafter how to turn codes into linework and symbols.
- Bind or package references. Use eTransmit or a similar tool so external references, fonts and plot styles travel with the DWG.
- Say which CAD version you need. Older DWG versions may be required if your team has not upgraded.
- Mark the deliverable list up front. Say whether you need DWG only, or DWG plus PDF, LandXML and a point file.
How Land Drafters helps
Land Drafters, LLC provides outsourced land survey CAD drafting to surveying and civil engineering firms in all 50 US states, Canada, the UK and Australia. The team works in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Carlson, MicroStation and Revit. Services cover boundary, topographic, ALTA/NSPS, as-built, subdivision plats, construction staking drafting, Civil 3D surfaces, point cloud/LiDAR to CAD, GIS, architectural, BIM and MEP work.
Typical turnaround is 24-72 hours. You can list the formats you will send and the ones you need back when you request a quote, and an NDA is available if your project data is sensitive. A free trial drawing lets you check the output against your standards before committing. See pricing for hourly and per-drawing options.