How to Get Coordinates from Polyline in AutoCAD?

Understanding Polyline Coordinates in AutoCAD

To retrieve the coordinates of a polyline in AutoCAD, several methods are at your disposal, both beginner-friendly and advanced. Utilizing the LIST command proves to be a quick and efficient way to gather all necessary coordinate data for your polylines.

Using the LIST Command to Retrieve Polyline Coordinates

1. Select the Polyline: Begin by using the mouse to select the polyline whose coordinates you wish to obtain. Ensure that you have the correct object selected.

2. Activate the Command: Open the command line at the bottom of the AutoCAD interface. Type LIST and press Enter. This command is designed to extract and display the properties of the selected object.

3. View the Results: A dialog box will appear, presenting a detailed listing that includes the coordinates of each vertex along with relevant attributes such as the layer, type of object, and dimensions relative to the user coordinate system (UCS).

4. Copy the Information: If you need to save these coordinates, you can select the text directly from the dialog box and copy it to your clipboard. This can then be pasted into a text document or other application as required.

Alternative Method: QuickCalc Toolbar

1. Access QuickCalc: Locate the QuickCalc toolbar within AutoCAD. If it’s not visible, you may need to enable it from the View tab in the toolbar options.

2. Utilize the Get Coordinates Tool: Click on the ‘Get Coordinates’ button on the QuickCalc toolbar. The interface will prompt you to specify a point.

3. Select a Point: Click on any point on your drawing area, preferably a vertex of the polyline, to ensure you gather accurate coordinates.

4. Read the Coordinates: QuickCalc will display the coordinates of the specified point in the Input box right away. You can jot these down or use them as necessary.

Inputting Coordinates Directly into AutoCAD

Sometimes, it may be beneficial to manually input coordinates in AutoCAD:

1. Initiate the Draw Line Command: Navigate to the Home tab and select the Draw panel. Click on the Line tool to start drawing.

2. Enter Coordinate Values: Type the coordinates for the start point formatted as X,Y (for instance, 1.65,4.25). Press Enter to establish this point.

3. Continue Drawing: You can continue to enter subsequent points as needed to form a polyline. Just ensure to follow the same coordinate structure, separating each pair by pressing Enter after each entry.

Working with GPS Coordinates in AutoCAD

When working on projects needing geographical data, you can input GPS coordinates as follows:

1. Open the Geolocation Tab: Click on the Geolocation tab and navigate to the Tools panel.

2. Mark Location: Click on the Mark Position option and select the Lat-Long drop-down.

3. Enter Coordinates: Input the latitude value first and press Enter, then input the longitude, followed by another Enter.

4. Label Your Location: In the editing dialog that appears, give your location a name for easy identification later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I export the coordinates of multiple polylines at once?

Yes, using the Data Extraction feature within the Insert tab allows you to gather information about multiple objects, including coordinates from various polylines, in a single document.

2. Is the LIST command available in AutoCAD 2025?

Absolutely. The LIST command has been a staple in AutoCAD for many versions and remains available in AutoCAD 2025, providing users with comprehensive object data.

3. What is the difference between easting and northing coordinates?

Easting refers to the east-west position of a point, while northing indicates the north-south position. In GIS and similar applications, these coordinates are essential for accurately locating positions on the Earth’s surface.