Drawing Conversion

Conversion of paper based large-format drawings (architectural designs, contour maps, etc.) to digital files either in "Raster" or "Vector" format.

Raster: Also referred to as bitmap images, these are images that are represented by a sequence of pixels (picture elements) or points, which when taken together, describe the display of an image on an output device. There are many different raster image formats in use, among them GIF, JPEG, PCX, and TIFF.

Vector: Vector images are images that are represented by collections of independent line and shape objects which are typically defined by mathematical formulas. This makes these images easier to modify than raster images. Popular vector image programs include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and AutoCad. Typically, each program will have its own vector file format- among them DWG, DXF, DGN and Arc/Export.

Axiom offers scanning and conversion services for drawings include blueprints, vellum, mylars and drawings from A to E sizes. Commonly converted drawings include Architectural layouts and floor plans, Engineering blueprints, Contour maps, Mechanical piece parts, Assembly drawings and Schematics, Wiring diagrams and Ladder Logic drawings

Scanning large format drawings to Raster format is our base-level service. This process captures data by optical means and stores it in a format like TIFF. If your needs are restricted to converting paper files to digital format for archival purposes, the base level service will suffice very well.

We do not want you to incur cost when it is not warranted. Our Raster conversion service is the most cost effective means of digital document storage. Why pay for expensive "vectorization" if the drawing will not need extensive revisions in the future? We offer both B&W and gray-scale scanning. We support a variety of output formats including TIFF, RLC, RNL, CCITT/GTX /CALS G3 & G4 and RLE.

However, Raster files have limitations. They are simply a collection of pixels with no relational entities. Raster files are extremely difficult to edit and in the real world, Raster files are used exclusively only for archival purposes.

Digitization (or even fully redrawn drawings for maximum accuracy) may be required for active drawings where mere archival is not the goal. For such drawings, we offer our Raster to Vector and Manual Redraw services. Be it architectural, engineering, mapping or any other discipline in between, we can provide you with fully layered, clean vector files in most popular formats including DWG, DXF, DGN, Arc/Export, etc.

Digital files (especially vector files) enjoy significant advantages over paper based drawings:

Storage Space: A standard 650 MB CD-ROM can hold up to 2400 D-Size (24" x 36"x 300 dpi) images. In paper form, these sheets would take up several storage lockers.

Data Integrity: Digital files do not degrade over time. Ink, paper, linen even mylar will begin to crack, fade, and wrinkle after years of use.

Reduced Revision Cost: Revisions done in CAD may be 4-10 times faster than the same revision done by manual methods. Conversion allows the full capabilities of a CAD system to be utilized. Since conversion is a one-time cost, the second and third revisions to a drawing produce even greater savings, reducing the overall cost of maintaining a drawing throughout its useful life. This saving also results in earlier payback for conversion projects.

Consistency: Different handwriting styles, colors and drafting styles, make a set of drawings confusing to read and ultimately more difficult to understand. Drawings that are converted to vector (CAD) formats will be done to a specific set of parameters and standards. This ensures consistency throughout the entire inventory of converted drawings.

Control and Distribution: Several entities need access to the same set of drawings. If a new subdivision were added to a community, the records office would need an updated set of drawings, so would the public works department, the planning department and the 911 system. In a digital system, all that is required is that the master drawing is updated and distributed to all necessary entities.

Increased Productivity: CAD files can be used with cost estimating software, facilities management applications as well as extracting data into databases for project management. Time savings are estimated to range from a few days to even a few months for large projects.

Axiom performs all conversions (Paper to Raster, Raster to Vector or Full Redraw) in both a cost and time efficient manner, which saves the client the commitment of considerable capital expenditure in acquiring the necessary equipment and staff training.