Question 1

What does GeoNaksha do?

Accepted Answer

GeoNaksha converts legacy architectural and engineering drawings — faded blueprints, scanned paper, raster images, PDF sets, and hand sketches — into accurate, standards-compliant CAD drawings. Our focus is CAD conversion, architectural drafting, and MEP drafting. We have delivered more than 5,500 projects since 1997.

Question 2

Where is GeoNaksha based?

Accepted Answer

GeoNaksha has two offices: St. Louis, Missouri, USA and Mumbai, India. Most clients work with us remotely, and the St. Louis office handles US client coordination.

Question 3

How do you ensure CAD accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Every project runs through our documented 3-step QA process: Scan Inspection, Overlay Comparison, and CAD Corrections. We never use automated tracing. Human CAD operators redraft every element and a second reviewer validates the output before delivery.

Question 4

How do I get a free sample?

Accepted Answer

Send any one representative drawing to surpreet@geonaksha.com. We return a free converted CAD sample within 48 hours so you can evaluate our quality before committing.

Question 5

Do you sign NDAs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We routinely sign mutual NDAs with clients in healthcare, power, government, and AE sectors before any drawings are shared.

Question 6

Who will I be working with?

Accepted Answer

Every inquiry reaches the Director directly. There are no account managers or call-centre intermediaries. A senior CAD team then works on your project under Director oversight.

Question 7

Can you convert a PDF that was originally exported from CAD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These are the easiest to recover because line geometry is preserved in the file — but layers, blocks, text styles, and dimension associativity are usually stripped on export. We rebuild all of that to your CAD standard.

Question 8

What if the PDF is a low-quality scan?

Accepted Answer

We ask for the highest-resolution version you have before starting. If only a low-res scan is available, we assess legibility first and flag any portions that are marginal — we never silently guess at unclear geometry.

Question 9

Do you use automated PDF-to-CAD software?

Accepted Answer

No. Auto-trace tools produce curves full of redundant vertices, break line types, and cannot interpret obscured text. Human drafters do the full conversion. This is the main reason our output drops into your CAD environment without rework.

Question 10

What AutoCAD version do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

Whatever you ask for, from AutoCAD 2000 to 2026. Default is 2018 for maximum compatibility. We can also deliver AutoCAD LT-compatible files and DXF for tools like MicroStation and ArchiCAD.

Question 11

Can you layer the output to our CAD standard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work to National CAD Standard (NCS), AIA, or your internal standard. Send us a layer template and we match it sheet-for-sheet.

Question 12

How long does PDF-to-CAD take?

Accepted Answer

A single-sheet PDF typically turns around in 24–48 hours. Multi-sheet sets of 20–50 sheets take a week. Larger legacy sets of 200+ sheets are scheduled with a dedicated team — ask for a timeline with your sample.

Question 13

Do you sign NDAs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mutual NDAs are standard before any drawings change hands, especially for healthcare, government, and utility clients.

Question 14

Can I send one sheet for a free sample?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we recommend it. Send one representative PDF to surpreet@geonaksha.com. We return a converted CAD sample within 48 hours so you can evaluate before committing.

Question 15

Can you work from a scan we already have?

Accepted Answer

Yes — send us whatever you have. If the scan resolution is too low for legibility, we'll flag it and ask for a higher-resolution re-scan before starting.

Question 16

Can you scan physical drawings for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can ship drawings to our St. Louis office. We scan at archival resolution and return the originals.

Question 17

What if dimensions are missing or illegible?

Accepted Answer

We flag it rather than guess. Our assumptions log records every marginal dimension, and we coordinate with you on how to resolve — whether that's field measurement, a cross-reference to another sheet, or an explicit hold.

Question 18

How old is too old?

Accepted Answer

We've converted drawings from the 1910s. Age is less a problem than legibility. If you can read the dimensions, we can convert the drawing.

Question 19

Can you handle a multi-decade renovation history?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For buildings with multiple renovation sets from different firms over many years, we edge-match linework across projects and produce a single 'as currently constructed' CAD set that reflects the real layout today.

Question 20

Do you deliver in our layer standard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work to National CAD Standard, AIA, or your internal layer template. Share the template and we match it.

Question 21

What scan resolution do you need?

Accepted Answer

For typical architectural scans, 200 DPI is a working minimum and 400 DPI is ideal. For small details or fine annotations, send us the highest resolution available.

Question 22

Why not use auto-tracing software?

Accepted Answer

Auto-tracing produces curves with hundreds of redundant vertices, breaks line types, and cannot distinguish text from geometry. The output takes longer to clean up than a human redraft would have taken. We never use it.

Question 23

How accurate is the output?

Accepted Answer

CAD geometry is drawn to the written dimensions on the source. Where written dimensions are absent, accuracy is constrained by the scan resolution and the rubber-sheeted image. We document the accuracy basis for every project in the assumptions log.

Question 24

Does the sketch need to be to scale?

Accepted Answer

No. Provide any dimensions you can — written on the sketch, measured from the photo, or called out in a separate note — and we'll produce a dimensionally correct CAD.

Question 25

Can you convert a photo of a whiteboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clear, well-lit whiteboard photos are common inputs. If the photo has perspective distortion, we'll ask for a straighter capture or correct it during rubber-sheeting.

Question 26

How do you handle ambiguous sketches?

Accepted Answer

We flag, not guess. Every ambiguous element goes into the assumptions log, and we surface them back for confirmation before delivery.

Question 27

Do you sign NDAs with firms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mutual NDAs are standard before any project files are exchanged.

Question 28

Can you work on a dedicated-seat basis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For firms with continuous drafting volume, we offer dedicated seats — named CAD operators working exclusively on your projects for a fixed number of hours per day, six days a week.

Question 29

How do we hand off a project?

Accepted Answer

Send a typical sheet, your template, and your layer standard. We produce a sample within 48 hours. Once the sample matches, we begin production.

Question 30

Do you do Revit MEP modelling?

Accepted Answer

Not in-house currently. We focus on 2D MEP CAD where we can offer depth and speed. For Revit MEP, we can connect you with a partner.

Question 31

Can you handle hospital MEP?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hospitals are one of our strongest sectors — complex MEP overlays, multi-decade renovation history, and layered equipment are where we do our best work.

Question 32

Can you produce spool and prefabrication drawings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deliver fabrication-ready spool drawings for mechanical piping, with part numbers and schedules per your fabricator's convention.

Question 33

Do you field-verify in person?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate with your local surveyor or field crew for verification. Our St. Louis office can be on-site for US projects; our Mumbai office handles drafting.

Question 34

Can you reconcile contradictory renovation sets?

Accepted Answer

That's the main reason people come to us. We edge-match linework across every set, document contradictions, and surface them for your resolution.

Question 35

What output do facility-management systems typically need?

Accepted Answer

Layered DWG with room numbering, equipment tagging, and net-assignable area calculations. We deliver to your FM template — IFMA, BOMA, or internal.

Question 36

Do you handle HIPAA-sensitive material?

Accepted Answer

We work with building drawings, not patient records. Drawings are confidential under our NDA, but they do not contain PHI, so HIPAA does not directly apply to what we handle. We still treat everything as sensitive.

Question 37

Can you coordinate with our CMMS vendor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We tag equipment, rooms, and spaces to your CMMS template — IBM Maximo, Accruent, EAMS, or internal — so the as-built drops into your facility management system without re-tagging.

Question 38

Can you phase deliverables for a live renovation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For phased shutdowns, we deliver in packages matched to your project schedule and can coordinate with contractor sequencing.

Question 39

Can you work to our plant's CAD standard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most industrial clients have an internal standard — layer naming, tag conventions, title blocks, line types for P&IDs. Share it and we draft to it.

Question 40

Do you handle ITAR or export-controlled drawings?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not currently hold ITAR or similar export-control registrations. For facilities with those requirements, we recommend a US-based partner and can make an introduction.

Question 41

Can you do 3D plant modelling?

Accepted Answer

Not in-house. Our focus is 2D plant CAD. For 3D plant (Bentley OpenPlant, AVEVA), we hand off to a partner.

Question 42

Do you have a GSA schedule?

Accepted Answer

Not currently. We operate as a subcontractor to primes for agencies that require federal contracting vehicles.

Question 43

Can you handle sensitive but unclassified material?

Accepted Answer

Yes for civic and public-works drawings under standard NDA. We do not handle classified or defense material.

Question 44

How invisible are you in our output?

Accepted Answer

Completely. We do not add watermarks, do not log our name in any file, and do not publish your project in any portfolio without explicit written permission. Most of our AE clients have never appeared on our website.

Question 45

Can you work in our project management system?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we integrate with BIM 360, Procore, Newforma, Egnyte, and SharePoint. Share the access model and we adapt.

Question 46

What's your turnaround on a typical architectural set?

Accepted Answer

A 30-sheet CD set is typically 1–2 weeks. A 100-sheet legacy set is scheduled with a dedicated team — ask for a timeline with your sample.

Question 47

Can you draft directly to our fabricator's template?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Share their title block, layer standard, and any notes about their CNC or shop conventions and we match them.

Question 48

Can you do renderings?

Accepted Answer

Not in-house. We produce the 3D geometry; you or a renderer take it from there. We can introduce you to a rendering partner if useful.

Every question,
on one page.

About the firm

PDF to CAD conversion

Paper to CAD conversion

Raster to vector CAD conversion

Image to CAD — sketches, photos, markups

Architectural drafting services

MEP drafting services

As-built drawings

Hospitals & healthcare

Power & utilities

Government & civic

Architects & engineers

Design studios

Send us a drawing. We'll return a free CAD sample within 48 hours.

Every question,on one page.

About the firm

What does GeoNaksha do?

Where is GeoNaksha based?

How do you ensure CAD accuracy?

How do I get a free sample?

Do you sign NDAs?

Who will I be working with?

PDF to CAD conversion

Can you convert a PDF that was originally exported from CAD?

What if the PDF is a low-quality scan?

Do you use automated PDF-to-CAD software?

What AutoCAD version do you deliver?

Can you layer the output to our CAD standard?

How long does PDF-to-CAD take?

Do you sign NDAs?

Can I send one sheet for a free sample?

Paper to CAD conversion

Can you work from a scan we already have?

Can you scan physical drawings for us?

What if dimensions are missing or illegible?

How old is too old?

Can you handle a multi-decade renovation history?

Do you deliver in our layer standard?

Raster to vector CAD conversion

What scan resolution do you need?

Why not use auto-tracing software?

How accurate is the output?

Image to CAD — sketches, photos, markups

Does the sketch need to be to scale?

Can you convert a photo of a whiteboard?

How do you handle ambiguous sketches?

Architectural drafting services

Do you sign NDAs with firms?

Can you work on a dedicated-seat basis?

How do we hand off a project?

MEP drafting services

Do you do Revit MEP modelling?

Can you handle hospital MEP?

Can you produce spool and prefabrication drawings?

As-built drawings

Do you field-verify in person?

Can you reconcile contradictory renovation sets?

What output do facility-management systems typically need?

Hospitals & healthcare

Do you handle HIPAA-sensitive material?

Can you coordinate with our CMMS vendor?

Can you phase deliverables for a live renovation?

Power & utilities

Can you work to our plant's CAD standard?

Do you handle ITAR or export-controlled drawings?

Can you do 3D plant modelling?

Government & civic

Do you have a GSA schedule?

Can you handle sensitive but unclassified material?

Architects & engineers

How invisible are you in our output?

Can you work in our project management system?

What's your turnaround on a typical architectural set?

Design studios

Can you draft directly to our fabricator's template?

Can you do renderings?

Send us a drawing. We'll return a free CAD sample within 48 hours.

Every question,
on one page.