Georeference CAD data

Summary

Georeferencing CAD data involves assigning a coordinate system and applying a transformation to the CAD data. The instructions provided describe how to georeference CAD data in ArcMap.

Note:
ArcMap is in Mature support and will be retired March 1, 2026. There are no plans for future releases of ArcMap, and it is recommended that you migrate to ArcGIS Pro. See Migrate from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro for more information.

Procedure

Note:
Before georeferencing the CAD data, assign the desired projection to the map to which the CAD data will be referenced. The georeferencing process writes out the projection file for the newly georefenced CAD file. 
Refer to FAQ: How do I define the projection for ArcGIS data? for more information.

1. In ArcMap, add the CAD data to the map.
2. Open the Georeferencing toolbar. Navigate to Customize > Toolbars > Georeferencing.
3. On the toolbar, select the desired CAD feature layer from the dataset.

4. Zoom to the desired destination area, and navigate to Georeferencing > Fit To Display.

5. To create the first link, click the Add Control Points tool, and snap to the endpoint of the desired parcel feature.

6. To save the updates, click Georeferencing > Update Georeferencing.

Note:
The CAD World File window displays. 

7. In the CAD World File window, save the desired file name and file type as World.
8. Click Save.