Conversion to CAD

Simple Conversion of Raster to Vector

Simple vectorization is the conversion of a scan or raster image into a CAD or vector file. The process is achieved through the use of software that studies the raster image and tries to recognise and then replace the raster image with lines or vector information. The result is a dxf file, which is layered according to line thickness, line type and text.

It will require some manual clean up; the extent of which will depend upon the

• Quality of the original

• The amount of information required from the converted file. (Often people do not require the title block etc.)

• The quality of the line work and whether the text was typed or hand written.

To assist you to decide which method is best (Simple or CADPerfect), the cost of the simple conversion will be credited against the cost of CADPerfect if, after a simple conversion, you decide that you would prefer CADPerfect.

CADPerfect Conversion of Raster to Vector

CADPerfect is the new method used to convert raster files to vector or CAD format. This is achieved by importing the raster file into AutoCAD or Microstation and then tracing over the raster image. During this process, text is retyped and the drawing re-scaled to 1:1 if required. Items of the drawings are also converted to different layers and colors to conform to your drawing standards. The end result is a CAD file, which should be no different to a drawing done in-house on a CAD system. It requires no clean up.

Clients using our CADPerfect service estimate savings of between 40% and 60% on drawing costs, compared with doing the process in-house. This is due mainly to our software development, which enables us to trace an image very quickly.

Significantly, the ability to specify the part of the drawing to be converted, as well as the fast tracking of jobs, were cited as significant benefits of CADPerfect. CADPerfect files are normally in DGN or DWG format but can also be supplied in other CAD format.