How to Export Orthomosaics from PIX and Import into Global Mapper and CAD

Learn step-by-step how to export an ortho from PIX, import it into Global Mapper, and export it for use in CAD. This guide covers correct projection settings, file formats, and tips for seamless integration.

March 18, 2026 By Melissa Clarke

In this guide, we'll learn how to export an orthomosaic image from PIX, import it into Global Mapper, and then export it with the correct settings for use in other applications. We will also cover how to ensure the exported files have the right projection and format for compatibility with CAD and TBC. This process helps maintain accurate geospatial data and smooth workflow between software.

Let's get started

"" Today, we will discuss how to export an ortho from PIX, import it into Global Mapper, and export it using the correct procedures. I have Global Mapper open, and I am going to grab my raw orthomosaic from my PIX folder.

If you're familiar with PIX, under DSM Ortho, Mosaic, Tiles, there is a TIFF.

Step #3: Double-click on "R14453 - CC SURVEY DU" — Double-click on "R14453 - CC SURVEY DU"

Step #4: Double-click here — Double-click here

Step #5: Double-click on "2_mosaic" — Double-click on "2_mosaic"

Step #6: Click on "R14453 - CC SURVEY DU_transparent_mosaic_group1.tif" — Click on "R14453 - CC SURVEY DU_transparent_mosaic_group1.tif"

Step #7: Drag "- CC SURVEY DU_transparent_mosaic_group1.tif" — Drag "- CC SURVEY DU_transparent_mosaic_group1.tif"

Load it in. This project is in Colorado Central, using State Plane, Colorado Central.

Step #8: Click on "for R14453 - CC SURVEY DU_transp" — Click on "for R14453 - CC SURVEY DU_transp"

It's important that we use NAD 83. This was becoming an issue with CAD, where it was translating using the 2011 version.

Step #11: Click on "Add Datum" — Click on "Add Datum"

Select NAD 83, US Survey Foot, then click OK.

Step #13: Click on "NAD83" — Click on "NAD83"

Step #15: Click on "U.S. SURVEY" — Click on "U.S. SURVEY"

Step #16: Click on "Use Selected" — Click on "Use Selected"

Here is your image. Just to the left, you can highlight this or right-click and select if you want.

Step #18: Click on "- CC SURVEY DU_transparent_mosaic_group1.tif" — Click on "- CC SURVEY DU_transparent_mosaic_group1.tif"

Step #19: Right-click on "R14453 - CC SURVEY DU_transparent_mosaic_group1.tif" — Right-click on "R14453 - CC SURVEY DU_transparent_mosaic_group1.tif"

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Type "Esc"

I have it highlighted.

Step #21: Click on "File" — Click on "File"

Select File, then Export, and choose Raster Image Format.

Step #22: Click on "..." — Click on "..."

It should automatically prompt you with a GeoTIFF file.

Click OK. Here are some of the updated attributes we want to select.

We do not want 8-bit; we want 24-bit RGB. CAD works with this a lot better. You can turn this on or off. It removes the white background at times.

Step #25: Double-click on "Make Background ( Void" — Double-click on "Make Background ( Void"

Make sure you have both Generate TFW World File and Generate Projection File selected. LAC compression is fine.

Step #26: Click on "Tiling" — Click on "Tiling"

If you have a larger image, use the tiling option. You can select the number of rows and columns. Everything else should already be selected.

Step #27: Click on "● No Tiling - Just One Export" — Click on "● No Tiling - Just One Export"

Step #28: Click on "Export Bounds" — Click on "Export Bounds"

If you need a specific area, you can draw a box.

Step #29: Click on "Draw a Box ." — Click on "Draw a Box ."

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Type "Esc"

Step #32: Click on "Tiling" — Click on "Tiling"

I will export the full version and click OK.

Step #33: Click on "Tile Layout" — Click on "Tile Layout"

Step #34: Click on "Geo TIFF" — Click on "Geo TIFF"

Inside the directory I saved, I will go to OrthoImage and name it.

Step #36: Click on "R14453 - DU CABLE CENTER ▾" — Click on "R14453 - DU CABLE CENTER ▾"

Step #37: Double-click on "07 - ORTHO IMAGE" — Double-click on "07 - ORTHO IMAGE"

Click Save and wait for the export to finish.

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Type "R14453-DU-CC-ORTHO"

Step #40: Click on "Save" — Click on "Save"

Upon its export... This box will disappear, and we can find the ortho in the directory. Nothing else changes. Minimize that. Go to my main folder.

Remember, that was the PIX. Place it in our OrthoImage folder. Here, we should have the TIFF, the TFW, and the projection file. We are now exporting this with it because, in TPC, it was creating a translated file since it did not read the metadata or the projection. Make sure you have those three. I will grab this item and drag and drop it into TBC.

After importing into TBC, zoom in and check some of the GCPs to see if they align horizontally or have any major issues. 2D linework and concrete that you may see. This looks good. Everything is working correctly, so at this point, this should be here.

To the left is your image.

Step #43: Click on "R14453 - CC SURVEY DU" — Click on "R14453 - CC SURVEY DU"

You can turn it on or off.

Step #44: Click on "01 - PHOTOS" — Click on "01 - PHOTOS"

That is how you import into TBC. I will also show you how to import into CAD.

Step #45: Click on "R14453 - DU CABLE CENTER" — Click on "R14453 - DU CABLE CENTER"

Step #46: Double-click on "07 - ORTHO IMAGE" — Double-click on "07 - ORTHO IMAGE"

Hang on. Open the CAD drawing. Everything is included.

When importing, make sure you have the correct layer selected.

We have a dash image layer for this region.

That will be a map insert, or the Insert key.

You can drive to your directory. Mine is set to C.

Step #52: Drag "R14453 - DU - CC - ORTHO.tif" — Drag "R14453 - DU - CC - ORTHO.tif"

If someone is checking it, it's common to take it from the H.

Here, we have our TIFF file. Click Open. It booted. I will display what I sent back. Next, look for horizontal confirmation to ensure it is hitting the correct spot.

It looks good here. That is how you can import from Global Mapper into CAD. You have some other variables up here in the image, but that is it.