Map Options: Images Tab

The Images tab allows you to display a georeferenced image as a background beneath your design data. Background images can provide additional site context, such as aerial imagery, site plans, utility layouts, or scanned drawings, helping field crews visualise project information alongside design and measured data.

Supported image formats include:

• BMP
• JPG
• GIF
• PNG
• TIFF

From Siteworks v1.70, PDF files can also be imported and georeferenced directly within Siteworks. 

Display a Background Image

The Images tab allows you to:

• Select a background image.
• Show or hide the image on the map.
• Adjust image transparency to improve visibility of design and measured data over the image.

This can be useful when working with aerial photos, cadastral plans, utility drawings, or other reference information.

Add a New Background Image

To load a new image:

1. Open Map Options > Images.
2. Tap Icon.
3. Navigate to the required image file.
4. Select the image to load it into the project.

If the image already contains georeferencing information through an associated World File, it will display in its correct project location automatically. 

Understanding World Files

Prior to Siteworks v1.70, images required an associated World File to display in the correct position on the map. 

A World File is a small text file that contains georeferencing information, including:

• Easting and northing coordinates
• Pixel size
• Rotation information
• Coordinate system positioning

The World File must have the same filename as the image and use the appropriate file extension.

Common World File Extensions

Example: An image named SitePlan.jpg would require a matching World File named SitePlan.jgw.

Georeferencing an Image in Siteworks

If an image does not already have a World File, Siteworks can create one through the built-in Georeference Image workflow. This functionality was introduced in Siteworks v1.70. 

To start the process:

1. Load the image.
2. Select the Georeference Image icon.
3. The Georeference Image screen will open.

Before You Start

You must have existing:

• Control points
• Measured points
• Design linework vertices

available within the project before beginning the workflow.

Note: New points cannot be measured or created while inside the georeferencing workflow. 

Georeferencing Workflow

The process uses two known reference points. You can also select the point from a point list by tapping

Select Reference Point 1

1. Select a control point, measured point, or CAD vertex in the left panel.
2. A red marker is placed on the selected point.
3. Select the matching location on the image in the right panel.

Select Reference Point 2

1. Select a second control point, measured point, or CAD vertex.
2. A blue marker is placed on the selected point.
3. Select the corresponding location on the image.

Siteworks then:

• Scales the image.
• Rotates the image.
• Positions the image correctly within the project coordinate system.
• Creates the required World File automatically. 

When complete, select Accept to save the georeferencing information and return to the map screen.

Importing PDF Files

Siteworks v1.70 and later can import PDF files and use them as background imagery.

To import a PDF:

1. Open Map Options > Images.
2. Tap Icon.
3. Browse to the required PDF file.
4. Select the file.

A PDF preview window opens allowing you to:

• Select the page to import.
• Choose the conversion resolution.
• Import a specific page from multi-page PDFs. 

After selecting Import, Siteworks:

1. Converts the PDF into an image.
2. Saves the converted image to the project's Background Images folder.
3. Prompts you to georeference the image if required. 

The georeferencing process is the same as for any other image that does not already contain location information.

Multi-Page PDF Support

When importing a PDF containing multiple pages, you can:

• Enter a page number directly.
• Use the navigation arrows to browse pages.
• Import individual pages separately.

Each imported page is treated as an individual image and must be georeferenced separately. 

PDF Conversion Resolution

When importing PDFs, you can choose from three resolution settings.

Siteworks automatically scales the imported page so that the longest image dimension does not exceed the selected resolution limit. 

Performance Considerations

The available PDF import resolutions are well below the maximum image size supported by Siteworks:

• Maximum supported image size: 8192 × 8192 pixels
• High-resolution PDF imports typically remain under 1 MB in size.

For larger or more detailed plans, consider cropping the PDF into smaller areas using external software before importing.

SITECH Tip: Background images are an excellent way to provide visual site context for operators. Aerial imagery, utility plans, and georeferenced PDFs can be displayed alongside design and measured data, making it easier to understand site conditions and verify work in the field.