All About Raster to Vector Conversion

Hello out there.  It’s a new week, and we have the scanners warmed up, the technical guys and gals in front of their computers and we’re rolling.  I love coming to work!  Every day is different.  Every project brings new challenges. 

At the end of last week, I was talking to some folks about a CAD Conversion job they want done.  We were specifically discussing raster to vector conversion.  I thought that some of the questions that came up in our conversation would make for a good blog entry this week.  So…here goes…

What is raster to vector conversion?

According to Wikipedia, “vectorization refers to the process of converting raster graphics into vector graphics.”    In very simple terms, this means converting pixels, which are dots of color (raster) like this

 . . . . . . . . . . . into lines (vectors) like this __________.    When you enlarge a raster image, the dots or pixels begin to break apart, like this .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  and you lose the clarity of the image.  (Think about enlarging a photo taken with your digital camera.  On the other hand, a vector image can be enlarged indefinitely without loss of integrity, like this________________________ because it is made of lines, arcs, polygons, etc. 

Why is this concept important?

When you design in CAD, (Computer Aided Design) you have to work with lines, just like you would draw with a pencil, if you were designing on paper.   Here are some sample AutoCAD files. 

How do you convert from raster to vector?

This is where the “magic” comes in, better known as experience and know-how.  CadCam Services uses many different conversion methods. We use CAD conversion products from, GTX, Hitachi, I/Vector, and Softelec.   In addition we have quite a few routines and conversion programs we’ve written ourselves.  Unfortunately we have found that one R/V conversion product does not fit all. It is not uncommon with 100 drawings, that 30% are converted via one (1) method, the next 40% are converted via a different method, and the remaining are hand redrawn. Please do not be mislead with R/V software vendors promising ‘automatic raster to vector conversion’. Simply put, it is not true. These products are tools – and only tools. They all help in our conversion process, but they are not the cure-alls they claim to be. We spend hours, and hours inside of your drawings to get them to be 100% correct.   

Next week, we’ll talk about CAD Translations.

CAD/CAM Services Inc – An Overview

“Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing” are often referred to as CAD/CAM. These revolutionary computer-based designing tools have been developed to assist architects, engineers and other professional designers to achieve better quality designs.

Texas based CAD CAM Services, Inc. is a global center of excellence for scanning and raster to vector conversion services. We are the pioneer in providing enterprise CAD conversion of complex raster images using advanced and upgraded scanning solutions.

CAD CAM Services is one of the few authorized CAD Conversion companies certified for Department of Defense CAD Conversion work in USA. We are highly capable of digitizing and converting from large format media, aperture cards, and films into Cad Perfect™ AutoCAD, MicroStation, D-Tools, ArcInfo, CATIA, or any other CAD systems as per your needs.
Our comprehensive raster to vector conversion application features practical tools that maintain high standards throughout the conversion process. With its unique CAD conversion applications, CAD CAM Services has been providing support for mechanical, architectural, engineering, commercial and 2D and 3D drawings for more than 20 years.

Why CAD conversion is in high demand?

Use of Raster to vector (R2V) for converting architectural, mechanical and various technical drawings, maps, archive drawings, schematic diagrams even photos and other types of line artwork from raster to different vector formats is a universal practice. The demand for superior quality vectorization of paper drawings is ever growing. At this point we bridge the gap between quality of demand and supply by taking up the challenge to deliver remarkable quality in a short span of time.

Benefits of Outsourcing CAD Conversion work:

•    Assured cost effective process
•    Provides the best quality products, services and team
•    Improves performance and quality
•    On time deliverables

Some of the CAD CAM services that we provide:

AutoCAD: We work on many different image formats likes PDF, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, IMG, PCX, PICT etc. AutoCAD services offer our clients cost-efficiency and quicker outputs. CAD CAM Services can successfully scan paper, aperture cards, film to AutoCAD, MicroStation, D-Tools, ArcInfo, Catia, and literally any CAD systems you have. We deliver CAD Perfect™ CAD drawings.

Scan to Print: Our scan to print, meets the Scanning, Copying and Printing needs of our customers. We help you manage, and electronically distribute wide format documents for technical and graphic arts solutions with a wide range of well-designed products like format copiers, scanners, printers and document imaging workflow software.

PlanRoom: Cad Cam Services provides a unique feature called PlanRoom, also known as The Repository®. This is a web based document imaging program that resides on your server and can be accessed at any time, any place where an internet connection is available.

Large Format Scanners: CAD CAM SERVICES offers the latest in large format scanners. These large format scanners support almost any raster file format including PDF, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, IMG, PCX, PICT etc.

CAD CAM Services is recognized for its detailed and dedicated approach to every CAD/CAM work. We emphasis on building a relationship with our clients through mutual trust, comfort & confidence that will help us achieve the desired results effortlessly. With CAD CAM Services, your AutoCAD projects are in expert hands. CAD CAM Services has maintained a team of hardcore professionals with extensive experience in designing to manufacturing to handling the most demanding customer requirements. The company offers affordable, efficient and cost effective CAD/CAM services worldwide.

For more information on our Scanning and Cad Conversion services visit www.cadcam.org and www.online-r2v.com