PluginVectorworks 2024–2026Coming soon
Import PDOK Geodata for Vectorworks
From PDOK to usable Vectorworks geometry
Dutch geospatial services provide detailed source data, but bringing it into a drawing normally involves separate downloads, file formats, and conversion steps. Import PDOK Geodata for Vectorworks connects Vectorworks to supported PDOK services and the integrated 3D BAG service.
Use an existing rectangle or draw the import area after starting the command. Then choose a data source and, where applicable, the collections you need. The importer determines placement from Vectorworks georeferencing on the document or active design layer using Amersfoort / RD New (EPSG:28992). A separate user origin is supported. RD New project setups turned relative to north are supported.
Import 2D data from sources such as BGT, BRT TOP10NL, BAG, and BRK Kadastrale Kaart, or add 3D buildings through the integrated 3D BAG service. The importer recreates available map styles with native Vectorworks colours, opacity, labels, Pattern Fills, complex line types, and optional BGT pictograms. Labels are sized for the active design layer scale, and long paired house numbers are compacted to reduce collisions. Imported labels rotate with the georeferenced drawing. Where the 3D BAG source contains openings such as courtyards, light wells, or full-height passages, the importer cuts them into the roof and floor geometry.
Need terrain as well? Import AHN elevation data as DTM or DSM terrain and optionally apply AHN, aerial RGB, or CIR imagery as a texture. For larger areas, the importer can divide the terrain into segments so the imagery stays sharp. Missing AHN measurements remain open by default instead of being turned into artificial terrain. For DTM imports, you can optionally interpolate enclosed gaps and inland water using BGT/BRT (TOP10NL). Interpolated elevations are generated values, not measured AHN values; these interpolation options are not available for DSM.
Follow each import through clear progress phases and cancel when needed. Independent downloads run simultaneously, reducing waiting time when a source contains multiple collections or segments.
Create saved settings for a data source and its applicable import options. This makes recurring workflows faster and keeps collection, terrain, and styling choices consistent between projects. The plugin interface is available in English and Dutch.
How Import PDOK Geodata works
From selected area to Vectorworks geometry
1. Prepare the document:
- Set the Vectorworks document or active design layer georeferencing to Amersfoort / RD New (EPSG:28992).
- A separate user origin is supported. To make the rulers match the georeferencing coordinate system, choose Tools > Origin > User Origin and Set User Origin to match the Georeferencing coordinate system.
- Select an existing flat rectangle, or draw the import area after starting Import PDOK Geodata.
2. Choose the data:
- Choose a data source and, where available, one or more collections.
- Review the available styling and terrain options for the selected source.
- Save the configuration as a saved setting when you want to repeat the workflow.
3. Import into Vectorworks:
- Follow the visible import progress and cancel the operation when needed.
- Wait for the final completion report before continuing.
- Continue working with the created Vectorworks geometry.
- Choose Modify > Unlock when you need to edit imported objects manually.
FAQ
01Which Vectorworks version is supported?
Import PDOK Geodata for Vectorworks is being tested for Vectorworks 2024, 2025, and 2026. Vectorworks 2027 will be tested after that version is released.
02Which coordinate system does the importer use?
The document or active design layer must be georeferenced to Amersfoort / RD New (EPSG:28992). The importer determines placement from the Vectorworks georeferencing, so the drawing can use a separate user origin and can be rotated relative to north.
03Which PDOK data can it import?
The importer reads supported PDOK OGC API Features sources and their available collections. These include data from BGT, BRT TOP10NL, BAG, and BRK Kadastrale Kaart.
04Can it import 3D buildings?
Yes. The integrated 3D BAG service can import building models into Vectorworks for the selected area at LOD 1.2, 1.3, or 2.2. Where the source contains openings such as courtyards, light wells, or full-height passages, the importer cuts them into the roof and floor geometry.
05Can it import terrain?
Yes. The AHN workflow can create DTM or DSM terrain and can apply AHN, aerial RGB, or CIR imagery as a texture. A maximum texture resolution can divide larger terrain imports into segments, keeping the imagery sharp. Missing AHN measurements remain open by default. For DTM imports, you can optionally interpolate enclosed missing AHN values and inland water using BGT/BRT (TOP10NL). Interpolated elevations are generated values rather than measured AHN values. These options are not available for DSM.
06Does the imported data stay linked to PDOK?
No. Each import creates a snapshot of the selected PDOK data as Vectorworks geometry. Run the import again when you need current source data.
07How large an area can I import?
For 2D imports, the practical area depends on the dataset and the number of objects. AHN supports selected areas up to 2,000 m per side and warns above 100 m. 3D BAG warns above 500 buildings and gives a stronger warning above 5,000. You can continue or cancel the import. The selected area must overlap the Dutch coverage area. An area completely outside the Netherlands is stopped before download, while an area crossing the border imports the covered Dutch portion.
08Can I cancel a long import?
Yes. All import types show visible progress and can be cancelled. Completed geometry is retained when drawing has already started, so you do not lose the useful part of a long import.
09Is it a subscription?
No.
Import PDOK Geodata for Vectorworks is a one-time purchase. You can continue using the plugin indefinitely with the Vectorworks version for which it was purchased.