How to Transfer DWG Plans to a Construction Site with Precision
When a new project moves from design to the ground, transferring DWG plans to a physical site is one of the first and most critical steps. AKN Engineering’s site engineers use state-of-the-art survey equipment to ensure the design on screen is accurately set out in the real world. From drainage runs to kerb lines, every point, foundation and wall needs to match the CAD drawings exactly to avoid costly errors.
Translating CAD designs to the ground with precise survey control ensures construction accuracy and compliance.
Understanding the Process: From Digital Drawing to Site
A DWG plan is a CAD file that holds the coordinates, dimensions and details of a project. Before a shovel hits the ground, those digital points must be plotted on site. Our engineers import the DWG into specialist software (such as Leica Captivate or Trimble Access), cross-check the survey control and create setting-out files that equipment can read. This ensures that every corner, level and gradient aligns with the approved design.
Tip: Aligning site control to the correct grid (e.g. OSGB36 or local grid) is essential to avoid discrepancies—something the Ordnance Survey explains well
Equipment That Makes It Possible
To bring a drawing to life, AKN engineers use:
Total stations and GNSS receivers to mark points with millimetre accuracy.
Data controllers loaded with the DWG-derived setting-out points.
Machine control systems, where required, so excavators can follow the digital model in real time.
This equipment allows us to create a physical reference of your plan, whether that’s centre lines for a highway, the footprint of a building, or the location of underground utilities.
Why Accurate Setting Out Matters
Transferring a DWG plan isn’t just technical—it’s about risk management. A misplaced kerb or an off-line drainage run can lead to redesigns, delays and financial loss. The HSE’s construction guidelines underline the need for competence and accurate site data to maintain safety and compliance.
At AKN Engineering, our process also includes Inspection Test Records (ITRs) and clear reporting. This documentation provides a verifiable trail for main contractors and project managers—supporting quality assurance and the ‘golden thread’ required on UK construction projects.
From First Peg to Final Survey
Here’s how we typically handle a DWG-to-site transfer:
Pre-start survey and control check – verifying benchmarks and grid references.
Data preparation – cleaning and coding DWG data for field use.
Setting out – physically marking points, lines and levels.
As-built survey – recording what’s been built and updating the DWG for handover.
This end-to-end approach ensures that every design element is set out, built, and recorded with the precision needed for highways, civils, or large-scale infrastructure.
How To Get In Touch
👉 Visit www.aknengineering.co.uk or ☎️ call 01279 927 033 to discuss your next setting out or land surveying project.