topic Re: Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG. in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG.

Gustavo_Souza — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:00:41 GMT

I want to georeference a DWG file to make it a feature class.

However, whenever I start adding controls points, the option becomes unavailable after I add 2 controls points. But, 3 is the minimum necessary to have acceptable accuracy.

My reference is just the regular esri basemaps.

This is what happens as soon I add a control point.

Re: Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG.

lbraceromarre — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 15:50:09 GMT

Hello Gustavo:

I never done that in ArcGIS Pro with vector data. But I will suggest the following: (1) first convert DWG into a FC.Conversion CAD To Geodatabase

Afterwards, (2) define and then use (3) Project tool, to project the dataset in desired projection.

Define Projection Tool

Project Tool

Maybe it doesn't allow you add points because it already has some geographic information?

Or, if you are working in the software DWG file was created, assigned the projection from there. It should work when you inserted the file into GIS.

Cheers.

Re: Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG.

GregoireCatineau — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:48:49 GMT

Finnaly it's normal, because we don't need more than 2 controls points for a vector layer.

Re: Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG.

VijayShinde — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 03:20:09 GMT

I'm also getting the same issue,

Is there any solution for this

Re: Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG.

esrisupportsiggis — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:23:38 GMT

Hi,

I'm experiencing the same problem. After adding 2 control points, I click a vertex in the dwg to add a 3rd. At this point the Add Control Points button becomes greyed-out, and the only thing I can do is to Apply the 2 control points. After this the Control Point Table is cleared. Very strange behaviour, as imo it should be possible to transform the dwg by adding multiple control points to correctly georeference it.

Couldn't find much info in ArcGIS Pro documentation. Any new information would be much appreciated!

Re: Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG.

TD1 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:03:31 GMT

I am having this issue as well

Re: Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG.

JakeNeedle — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:53:13 GMT

Any solution to this? I am experiencing on version 3.7.

Re: Can't create more than two control points when georeferencing a DWG.

TD1 — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:03:38 GMT

@JakeNeedle Still an issue for me. My workaround was converting the CAD file into feature classes using the CAD to Geodatabase tool. Once in this format, you will be able to add additional control points. Not ideal.

You can georeference a feature class but process a little bit different since it is not through the georeferencing tool.

Georeferencing a feature class is through the Modify Features pane and using the Transform tool Transform features—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation

Very annoying and I don't like the process.