Format comparison
DXF vs GML: CAD Format vs OGC XML
DXF and GML both represent vector geometry but for completely different audiences. DXF is AutoCAD's engineering drawing format. GML is the OGC's XML-based geospatial standard for WFS services and government data portals. Converting between them bridges the CAD and GIS worlds.
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Bottom line
Use DXF for CAD engineering. Use GML for OGC-compliant GIS data exchange.
DXF vs GML: feature comparison
| Feature | DXF | GML |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ecosystem | CAD (AutoCAD, Civil 3D) | GIS (WFS services, portals) |
| CRS metadata | None | Yes |
| Schema validation | No | Yes (XSD) |
| Curves and arcs | Yes (native) | Yes (3D geometry) |
| Human readable | Partially (ASCII DXF) | Yes (XML) |
| OGC standard | No | Yes |
DXFWhen to use DXF
- AutoCAD and Civil 3D engineering projects
- Sharing geometry with CAD software
- Technical infrastructure drawings
GMLWhen to use GML
- OGC WFS services
- Government INSPIRE datasets
- GIS data exchange requiring schema validation
Convert between DXF and GML
Frequently asked questions
Q.Can I convert DXF to GML online?
Yes. Maparz converts DXF to GML — CAD geometry is translated into GML Point, LineString, and Polygon features.