by precision redrafting by hand  (FL = Fully layered conversion)

by computer raster to vector conversions (ML = One layer - or with minimal layers) conversion, then corrected by hand 

Normally precision redrafting is an expensive process but by using qualified draftsman at ConvertAPlan we are able to offer accurate drawing conversions at a very affordable price.

This results in redrafting costs are substantially less than that should your Office wish to repeat a drawing and provide it in CAD. Clearly, a detailed project documented on a A1 sheet (most common size in a practice) will cost only $400 (produced within 14 days) to be completely redrafted by our method precision redrafting by hand (FL = Fully layered conversion) or if the purpose of the document is only for amendments; additions & alterations; one trade documents such as cabinet drawings or simply for the archives then 50% of the cost can be saved to achieve an intellectual CAD document sufficient for the purpose by our alternative method computer raster to vector conversions (ML = One layer - or with minimal layers). Consider your own costs in producing the same document which would be at least six times greater than our offer!!!

The conversions undertaken by the method precision redrafting by hand ( FL = Fully layered conversion) is definitely a superior method for example they all contain:-

        Accurate layer information

        Accurate text that can be edited

        Accurate linetypes that can be edited

        Associative dimensions that are adjustable

        Associative hatch patterns

        Symbols & blocks of standard components

        Title blocks in paper space to scale

However our experience with most architectural & engineering practices, subject to the purpose required for the converted document, a small compromise in the degree of conversion accuracy in return for a 50% cost saving with utilising the alternative conversion method computer raster to vector conversions (ML = One layer - or with minimal layers) is acceptable, particularly for Archives.

Raster to vector conversions are achieved by first utlising software to convert the drawing (a time saving device) and subsequently correcting by hand. This process converts a scan of the drawing (raster) into a line drawing (vector) through a software program.

Automatic raster-to-vector conversion is limited by the ability of the software application to make decisions that require intelligence, therefore the resultant drawing is a series of lines not as meaningful as conversions undertaken by the method precision redrafting by hand  ( FL = Fully layered conversion). Many hours of additional work is required to get the drawing to an accurate CAD standard, however these additional hours are included in the price quoted (except for your time to provide red lining / corrections for us to attend to ).

  Raster to Vector conversion

Precision redraw conversion

Some of the problems of the raster to vector conversion method are detailed below, most of which is corrected (by hand) by the ConvertAPlan method with exception for a requirement for numerous layers (a fully layered document): -

Layering The resulting CAD file is typically in one layer. Sometimes line weight will be put on a different layer, particularly if there is no clear difference in line thicknesses on the original document.

Linetypes  Any linetype, besides continuous, may convert each dash or segment to a separate and unrelated line entity.

Arcs and Circles Arcs and circles are typically converted to a series of short, unrelated line segments Sometimes, may convert them to a series of arcs. Conversion to a circle or a single arc is difficult because most hand drawn work is actually elliptical.

Text accommodation in MikonosText is typically may be converted so that each character is actually many small line segments. Not recognizable text.

Dimensions Dimensions may be converted to an unrelated assortment of lines with no association to each other or the item they describe.

Symbols The raster to vector conversion may convert each symbol to numerous unrelated line segments.

Hatch Patterns  All hatch patterns may be converted as enormous numbers of unrelated line segments.

Attributes  Attributes or database information cannot be assigned with automatic raster conversion.

Conversion of Extraneous Information  Besides the problems in correctly converting the real data in a drawing, automatic raster conversion will put every speckle, crease, stain, and smudge into the CAD file and requires an edit to remove same.

Gaps  Imperfections or light areas in the lines on the original drawing are frequently interpreted as genuine white space. The resulting conversion will have small gaps in the middle of lines that should be continuous and requires an edit to complete same.

Missing Information  Lloret de Mar locandaThe effort to automatically distinguish between extraneous information and real data often results in arbitrary elimination of real data in the converted drawing and requires an edit to complete same.

Style  A consistent style for dimensions, symbols, text height, fonts, etc, can be applied as the conversion is performed / redrafted. style.

Limitations of Scanning Resolution  If the originals are not scanned at high enough resolution, problems can occur with lines that intersect at an angle.