Raster to vector
Encyclopedia
In computer graphics, vectorization refers to the process of converting raster graphics
into vector graphics
.
Unlike the opposite process rasterization, vectorization is not well defined, meaning there is not a single correct method. Many different algorithms exist, and each gives different results, as vector representations are more abstract than pixels.
Outliner.
This algorithms uses the small vector-described rectangular shapes called the contour dots that hover above the pixels. The statistics of the underlying pixels is used for positionning and orienting the contour dot at the centerline of the edge. This algorithm can be used in the computer vision for the replacement of such classic edge detection methods as Canny and Sobel.
Raster graphics
In computer graphics, a raster graphics image, or bitmap, is a data structure representing a generally rectangular grid of pixels, or points of color, viewable via a monitor, paper, or other display medium...
into vector graphics
Vector graphics
Vector graphics is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon, which are all based on mathematical expressions, to represent images in computer graphics...
.
Popular applications
- In computer-aided designComputer-aided designComputer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
(CAD) drawings (blueprintBlueprintA blueprint is a type of paper-based reproduction usually of a technical drawing, documenting an architecture or an engineering design. More generally, the term "blueprint" has come to be used to refer to any detailed plan....
s etc.) are scanned, vectorized and written as CAD files in a process called paper-to-CAD conversion or drawing conversion. - In geographic information systemGeographic Information SystemA geographic information system, geographical information science, or geospatial information studies is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data...
s (GIS) satellite or aerial images are vectorized to create maps. - In graphic designGraphic designGraphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience...
and photographyPhotographyPhotography is the art, science and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film...
, graphics can be vectorized for easier usage and resizing.
Unlike the opposite process rasterization, vectorization is not well defined, meaning there is not a single correct method. Many different algorithms exist, and each gives different results, as vector representations are more abstract than pixels.
Vectorization algorithms
One algorithm of vectorizing edges is described in the open-source projectOutliner.
This algorithms uses the small vector-described rectangular shapes called the contour dots that hover above the pixels. The statistics of the underlying pixels is used for positionning and orienting the contour dot at the centerline of the edge. This algorithm can be used in the computer vision for the replacement of such classic edge detection methods as Canny and Sobel.
See also
- ScanningImage scannerIn computing, an image scanner—often abbreviated to just scanner—is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image. Common examples found in offices are variations of the desktop scanner where the document is placed on a glass...
- DigitizingDigitizingDigitizing or digitization is the representation of an object, image, sound, document or a signal by a discrete set of its points or samples. The result is called digital representation or, more specifically, a digital image, for the object, and digital form, for the signal...
- CAD data exchangeCAD data exchangeCAD data exchange involves a number of software technologies and methods to translate data from one Computer-aided design system to another CAD file format...
- Comparison of raster to vector conversion softwareComparison of raster to vector conversion softwareThe following tables contain general and technical information about a number of raster to vector conversion software products. Please see the individual products' articles for further information.- General information :...
- Optical character recognitionOptical character recognitionOptical character recognition, usually abbreviated to OCR, is the mechanical or electronic translation of scanned images of handwritten, typewritten or printed text into machine-encoded text. It is widely used to convert books and documents into electronic files, to computerize a record-keeping...