The LISP script ArcGeek_Cuadricula allows you to generate UTM coordinate grids directly in AutoCAD, similar to how QGIS or ArcGIS do. By simply defining a rectangle over the area of interest, the tool automatically draws the grid with its respective coordinate labels on all four edges, facilitating the cartographic presentation of topographic, cadastral, and civil engineering plans.
Main features
- Generation of UTM grid by drawing a rectangle with two corners over any area of the drawing
- Automatic calculation of coordinate spacing based on the size of the area, with the option to define it manually in X and Y independently
- Three types of internal lines: full grid, ticks on edges, or crosses at intersections with ticks
- Coordinate labels on all four edges with configurable orientation: normal (horizontal), ascending (90°), or descending (270°) for side axes
- Option for full or simplified labels to improve readability on coordinates with many digits
- Internal line thickness automatically reduced to differentiate them from the outer frame
- Layers differentiated by color: white frame, gray internal lines, and yellow labels
Prerequisite
Before running the script, the drawing must be configured with units in meters. To verify or set this, type the UNITS command in the command line and in the “Insertion scale” section select Meters. This ensures that grid intervals and coordinate labels are generated correctly in the UTM metric system.
Instructions for use
- Load the LISP file into AutoCAD using the APPLOAD command located in the Manage tab or by dragging the file into the drawing area
- Run the command by typing “ArcGeek_Cuadricula” in the command line
- Click on the lower-left corner of the area where you want the grid
- Click on the upper-right corner to define the rectangle
- Select the coordinate spacing: automatic or manual
- Choose the type of internal lines: full lines, ticks, or crosses
- Configure the orientation of side labels: normal, ascending, or descending
- Choose between full or simplified labels
The tool will automatically generate the frame, the grid, and all coordinate labels with a professional format ready for printing.
Practical applications
- Cartographic presentation of topographic plans with clear spatial reference
- Location and site plans requiring a UTM coordinate frame
- Cadastral and subdivision documentation with reference grid
- Civil engineering plans where the geographic position of the project needs to be identified
- Thematic maps created in AutoCAD that require a coordinate grid similar to GIS software
Compatibility
ArcGeek_Cuadricula has been designed to work in multiple versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D. It uses commands with an international prefix (_) to ensure compatibility in installations in any language.
Download
This script is available for free download for the technical community.
By incorporating this tool into their workflows, professionals can add coordinate grids to their drawings quickly and with cartographic quality, without the need for additional GIS software.