Combine Method 1 (image) + Method 2 (QGIS conversion). That gives you both the raster background and the linework.

If you work in civil engineering, landscape architecture, or urban planning, you’ve likely needed a real-world base map inside AutoCAD. Google Earth provides excellent georeferenced satellite imagery and terrain data. The good news? You can bring that data into AutoCAD—without expensive third-party plugins.

rely on Google Earth for legal or engineering-grade plans. Always verify with a licensed survey. Have a different workflow? Let me know in the comments below.